Factoring the Difference of Squares

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factorization pattern that states: a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

Factor the expression: x² - 16.

Back

(x + 4)(x - 4) because 16 is a perfect square.

Front

What is the first step in factoring a polynomial?

Back

Check for a greatest common factor (GCF) among the terms.

Front

Factor the expression: 36m² - 9.

Back

9(2m - 1)(2m + 1) after factoring out the GCF of 9.

Front

What does it mean for an expression to be 'not factorable'?

Back

An expression is not factorable if it cannot be expressed as a product of two or more polynomials.

Front

Factor the expression: x² - 25.

Back

(x + 5)(x - 5) because 25 is a perfect square.

Front

What is a perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial is an expression of the form a² ± 2ab + b², which factors to (a ± b)².

Front

Factor the expression: 121x² - 49.

Back

(11x + 7)(11x - 7) using the difference of squares.

Front

What is the formula for factoring the difference of squares?

Back

a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

Factor the expression: 36x² + 4.

Back

Not Factorable because it is a sum of squares.