Factoring the Difference of Squares

Front

What is the first step in factoring a polynomial expression?

Back

Look for the Greatest Common Factor (GCF).

Front

What is the difference of squares formula?

Back

a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

How do you factor the expression 4a^2 - 36?

Back

4(a + 3)(a - 3).

Front

What is the factored form of y^2 - 196?

Back

(y + 14)(y - 14).

Front

What is the GCF of 32n^2 and 50?

Back

2.

Front

How do you factor the expression 32n^2 - 50?

Back

2(4n + 5)(4n - 5).

Front

What is the factored form of 4x^2 - 16?

Back

4(x - 2)(x + 2).

Front

What does it mean to factor completely?

Back

To express a polynomial as a product of its irreducible factors.

Front

What is the significance of recognizing a GCF in factoring?

Back

It simplifies the expression and makes further factoring easier.

Front

Can the difference of squares be applied to expressions with coefficients?

Back

Yes, as long as the expression can be expressed in the form a^2 - b^2.