Factoring the Difference of Squares

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a mathematical expression of the form a² - b², which can be factored into (a + b)(a - b).

Front

Factor the expression: r² - 9t²

Back

(r + 3t)(r - 3t)

Front

Factor the expression: 4y² - 9

Back

(2y + 3)(2y - 3)

Front

Factor the expression: 225x² - 169y²

Back

(15x + 13y)(15x - 13y)

Front

Factor the expression: 64x² - 49y²

Back

(8x + 7y)(8x - 7y)

Front

Factor the expression: 121r² - 64t²

Back

(11r + 8t)(11r - 8t)

Front

What is the formula for factoring the difference of squares?

Back

The formula is a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

Provide an example of a difference of squares: 16 - 25

Back

(4 + 5)(4 - 5) = (9)(-1) = -9.

Front

What are the steps to factor a difference of squares?

Back

1. Identify a and b such that a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b). 2. Substitute a and b into the formula.

Front

What is the significance of the difference of squares in algebra?

Back

It simplifies expressions and helps solve quadratic equations.