Factoring 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: x² - 400

Back

(x - 20)(x + 20)

Front

Factor the expression: 49n² - 25

Back

(7n - 5)(7n + 5)

Front

Can the expression 9n² + 1 be factored using the difference of squares?

Back

No, it cannot be factored using the difference of squares.

Front

Factor the expression: 3x² - 75

Back

3(x - 5)(x + 5)

Front

Fully factor the expression: 25x² - 81

Back

(5x - 9)(5x + 9)

Front

What is the first step in factoring a difference of squares?

Back

Identify the two perfect squares in the expression.

Front

What is a perfect square?

Back

A perfect square is a number that can be expressed as the square of an integer.

Front

Provide an example of a difference of squares.

Back

x² - 16 = (x - 4)(x + 4)

Front

What is the general formula for factoring a difference of squares?

Back

a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b)