Difference of Squares

Front

What is the Difference of Squares?

Back

The Difference of Squares is a mathematical identity that states: a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b). It applies to any two squares.

Front

Factor x² - 81

Back

(x - 9)(x + 9)

Front

Factor x² - 225

Back

(x - 15)(x + 15)

Front

Factor x² - 9

Back

(x - 3)(x + 3)

Front

Factor 4x² - 9

Back

(2x - 3)(2x + 3)

Front

Factor q² - 121

Back

(q - 11)(q + 11)

Front

What is a perfect square?

Back

A perfect square is a number that can be expressed as the square of an integer. For example, 1, 4, 9, 16 are perfect squares.

Front

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

Back

Identify the two perfect squares in the expression.

Front

Can the expression x² + 16 be factored using the Difference of Squares?

Back

No, x² + 16 cannot be factored using the Difference of Squares because it is a sum, not a difference.

Front

What is the general form of a difference of squares?

Back

The general form is a² - b², where a and b are any real numbers.