Factoring and Identifying Differences of Squares

The video tutorial covers the concept of factoring, focusing on the method of difference of squares. It begins with an introduction to perfect squares and explains how to identify and factor binomials using the difference of squares method. The tutorial also demonstrates the FOIL method for multiplying binomials and provides examples to practice factoring. Advanced techniques, such as identifying the greatest common factor (GCF) and handling special cases, are also discussed to enhance understanding and application of factoring methods.

Which of the following is a perfect square?

• 30

• 20

• 49

• 15

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

• Check if the expression is a trinomial

• Verify if the expression is a monomial

• Look for a common factor

• Ensure both terms are perfect squares

Why can't the sum of squares be factored?

• It results in a complex number

• It is already in its simplest form

• It has no real roots

• It is always a prime expression

In the FOIL method, what does the 'O' stand for?

• Only terms

• Original terms

• Opposite terms

• Outer terms

What happens to the middle terms when using the FOIL method on a difference of squares?

• They cancel out

• They double

• They become zero

• They remain unchanged

What is the greatest common factor (GCF) of 5 and 45?

• 1

• 15

• 5

• 10

How can you factor x^2 - 16 using the difference of squares?

• (x - 2)(x + 8)

• (x + 4)(x + 4)

• (x - 4)(x + 4)

• (x - 8)(x + 2)

What should you do first if a problem does not initially appear to be a difference of squares?

• Look for a GCF

• Add a constant

• Divide by a variable

• Multiply the terms

Which expression is an example of a difference of squares?

• x^2 - 16x

• x^2 - 9

• x^2 + 9

• x^2 + 16

What is the factored form of 4x^2 - 25?

• (2x + 5)(2x - 5)

• (4x + 5)(4x - 5)

• (2x + 25)(2x - 25)

• (x + 5)(x - 5)