Factoring Difference of Squares

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring technique used to factor expressions of the form a² - b², which can be factored into (a - b)(a + b).

Front

Can you factor an expression with an addition sign using the difference of squares?

Back

No, the difference of squares can only be applied to expressions with a subtraction sign.

Front

What is the first step in factoring any polynomial?

Back

Look for the Greatest Common Factor (GCF).

Front

Factor the expression: 4x² - 9

Back

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

Front

What is a perfect square?

Back

A perfect square is a number that can be expressed as the square of an integer.

Front

Factor the expression: 36m² - 9

Back

9(2m - 3)(2m + 3)

Front

What does GCF stand for?

Back

GCF stands for Greatest Common Factor, which is the largest factor that divides two or more numbers.

Front

Factor the expression: 36x² - 64

Back

4(3x - 4)(3x + 4)

Front

What is the formula for factoring the difference of squares?

Back

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

Front

Is the expression 49x² + 4y² factorable using the difference of squares?

Back

No, because it contains an addition sign.