Factoring trinomials #2 difference of two squares

The video tutorial explains how to factor expressions with two terms, focusing on the difference of two squares method. It begins with identifying common factors and then introduces the difference of two squares formula. The tutorial demonstrates how to apply this formula to specific terms and verifies the results using the FOIL technique. The lesson concludes with a reminder to look for square terms and differences when factoring.

What is the first step in factoring when you have two terms?

• Rewrite the terms as square numbers

• Apply the FOIL method

• Identify the common factor or GCF

• Look for the difference of two squares

Which of the following is the formula for the difference of two squares?

• (a + b)(a - b) = a^2 + b^2

• a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)

• a^2 + b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)

• (a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2

How can you determine if a term is a square number?

• If it can be expressed as the product of two identical numbers

• If it is an even number

• If it is a prime number

• If it is a multiple of 10

In the example given, what are the values of 'a' and 'b' when factoring 9m^2 - 16?

• a = 9, b = 16

• a = 3m, b = 4

• a = 3, b = 4m

• a = m, b = 4

What is the purpose of using the FOIL method in the context of this lesson?

• To find the GCF of two terms

• To simplify expressions

• To identify square numbers

• To verify the result of factoring