Factoring the Difference of Squares

The video tutorial explores the concept of factoring expressions known as the difference of squares. It begins by explaining what a difference of squares is, using examples like x^2 - 9. The tutorial then reviews multiplying binomials using the distributive property. It demonstrates how to factor expressions using the difference of squares pattern, providing examples such as y^2 - 25 and 121 - b^2. The video also highlights common mistakes learners make when factoring differences of squares and encourages practice through exercises.

What is the term used to describe an expression like x^2 - 9?

• Quotient of squares

• Sum of squares

• Product of squares

• Difference of squares

In the expression x^2 - 9, what are the two quantities being squared?

• 3 and 9

• x and x

• x and 3

• x and 9

Which method can be used to multiply (x + a)(x - a)?

• Both FOIL and Distributive property

• Distributive property

• FOIL method

• None of the above

What is the result of multiplying (x + a)(x - a)?

• x^2 + a^2

• x^2 - a^2

• x^2 + 2ax + a^2

• x^2 - 2ax + a^2

How would you factor x^2 - 3^2?

• (x + 3)(x + 3)

• (x - 3)(x - 3)

• (x - 3)(x + 3)

• (x + 3)(x - 3)

What is the factored form of y^2 - 25?

• (y - 5)(y - 5)

• (y + 5)(y + 5)

• (y + 25)(y - 25)

• (y + 5)(y - 5)

How would you factor 121 - b^2?

• (11 + b)(11 + b)

• (11 - b)(11 - b)

• (11 + b)(11 - b)

• (11 - b)(11 + b)

What is a common mistake when factoring y^2 - 25?

• Using y^2 + 25

• Using y^2 - 5^2

• Using y^2 + 5^2

• Using y^2 - 25^2

What should you recognize in a difference of squares?

• The difference of two squares

• The product of two squares

• The sum of two squares

• The quotient of two squares

Where can you practice more problems on factoring differences of squares?

• Khan Academy

• edX

• Coursera

• Udemy