Factoring a Difference of Perfect Squares to Find Zeros of Quadratic Functions

The video tutorial explains how to find the zeros of a quadratic function by factoring a difference of perfect squares. It begins with an introduction to factoring and the concept of the difference of squares. The tutorial then demonstrates how to find the zeros of a function using its factored form and discusses common mistakes students make when factoring. An example problem is solved to illustrate the process, emphasizing the importance of checking solutions.

What is the factored form of the expression 9x squared minus 4?

• (3x + 4)(3x - 4)

• (3x - 2)(3x - 2)

• (3x + 2)(3x - 2)

• (3x + 2)(3x + 2)

Which of the following is a common mistake when factoring a difference of squares?

• Factoring out a common factor first

• Using different signs for both factors

• Using the same signs for both factors

• Applying the commutative property

What property allows you to switch the places of two factors and still get the same product?

• Associative Property

• Distributive Property

• Commutative Property

• Identity Property

What is the greatest common factor that can be factored out from 8x squared minus 72?

• 4

• 8

• 2

• 16

After factoring 8x squared minus 72, what are the zeros of the function?

• x = 6 and x = -6

• x = 4 and x = -4

• x = 3 and x = -3

• x = 2 and x = -2