Factoring Quadratics by Difference of Squares

The video tutorial explains how to factor quadratics using the difference of squares method. It begins with an introduction to the concept, followed by two examples: factoring x^2 - 4 and 16x^2 - 25. The tutorial demonstrates the step-by-step process of rewriting terms as squares and breaking them into binomials. It emphasizes checking the work by multiplying the binomials to ensure they equal the original quadratic.

What is the result of multiplying (a - b) and (a + b)?

• a^2 + b^2

• a^2 - b^2

• 2ab

• a^2 + 2ab + b^2

Which of the following is the factored form of x^2 - 4?

• (x - 2)(x + 2)

• (x - 3)(x + 3)

• (x - 4)(x + 4)

• (x - 1)(x + 1)

How can 16x^2 be rewritten as a perfect square?

• (16x)^2

• (4x)^2

• (8x)^2

• (2x)^2

What is the factored form of 16x^2 - 25?

• (4x - 25)(4x + 25)

• (16x - 5)(16x + 5)

• (4x - 5)(4x + 5)

• (8x - 5)(8x + 5)

Which of the following expressions is a difference of squares?

• x^2 + 2x + 1

• x^2 + 4

• x^2 - 4

• x^2 - 2x + 1