Difference of Squares

Front

What is the Difference of Squares?

Back

The Difference of Squares is a mathematical concept that states that the difference between two squares can be factored into the product of two binomials: a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

Factor x² - 16.

Back

(x + 4)(x - 4)

Front

Factor x² - 9.

Back

(x + 3)(x - 3)

Front

Factor 4x² - 9.

Back

(2x + 3)(2x - 3)

Front

Factor 4x² - 25.

Back

(2x + 5)(2x - 5)

Front

What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial that contains exactly two terms, such as (x + 3) or (2x - 5).

Front

What does it mean to factor an expression?

Back

Factoring an expression means to break it down into simpler expressions (factors) that, when multiplied together, give the original expression.

Front

What is the formula for the Difference of Squares?

Back

The formula is a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

What is an example of a Difference of Squares?

Back

x² - 25 is an example, which factors to (x + 5)(x - 5).

Front

What is the first step in factoring a Difference of Squares?

Back

Identify the two squares in the expression.