Factoring Differences of Squares

The video tutorial reviews the process of factoring a difference of squares using a specific formula. It provides two examples: factoring x^2 - 16 and 4x^2 - 9, demonstrating how to apply the formula to find the factors. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of verifying the factors by multiplying them back to ensure accuracy.

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

• a^2 + b^2 = (a + b)(a + b)

• a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)

• a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a - b)

• a^2 + b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)

In the expression x^2 - 16, what are the values of 'a' and 'b'?

• a = x, b = 4

• a = 4, b = x

• a = 16, b = x

• a = x, b = 16

What are the factors of the expression x^2 - 16?

• (x + 2)(x - 2)

• (x + 16)(x - 16)

• (x + 8)(x - 8)

• (x + 4)(x - 4)

For the expression 4x^2 - 9, what are the values of 'a' and 'b'?

• a = 2x, b = 3

• a = 4x, b = 9

• a = 3, b = 2x

• a = 9, b = 4x

What are the factors of the expression 4x^2 - 9?

• (4x + 3)(4x - 3)

• (4x + 9)(4x - 9)

• (2x + 9)(2x - 9)

• (2x + 3)(2x - 3)