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: 4a² - 36

Back

4(a + 3)(a - 3)

Front

Factor the expression: 4m² - 49

Back

(2m + 7)(2m - 7)

Front

Factor the expression: 25x² - 81

Back

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

Front

Factor the expression: x² - 144

Back

(x + 12)(x - 12)

Front

Factor the expression: 36m² - 9

Back

9(2m - 1)(2m + 1)

Front

What is a GCF (Greatest Common Factor)?

Back

The GCF is the largest factor that divides two or more numbers.

Front

How do you identify a difference of squares?

Back

Look for two perfect squares separated by a subtraction sign.

Front

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

Back

Identify the two squares and apply the formula a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

Factor the expression: 49x² - 16

Back

(7x + 4)(7x - 4)