Factoring the Difference of Squares

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring technique that applies to expressions of the form a² - b², which can be factored into (a - b)(a + b).

Front

Factor the expression: 4x² - 16

Back

4(x - 2)(x + 2)

Front

What is the first step in factoring any polynomial?

Back

Look for the Greatest Common Factor (GCF).

Front

Factor the expression: 32n² - 50

Back

2(4n + 5)(4n - 5)

Front

What does GCF stand for?

Back

GCF stands for Greatest Common Factor, which is the largest factor that divides two or more numbers.

Front

Factor the expression: 49n² - 25

Back

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

Front

What is the formula for factoring the difference of squares?

Back

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

Front

Factor completely: x² - 144

Back

(x - 12)(x + 12)

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression consisting of variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer exponents.

Front

What is the significance of the GCF in factoring?

Back

Finding the GCF simplifies the expression and makes it easier to factor the remaining polynomial.