Factoring Difference of Squares

The video tutorial explains the difference of squares strategy, a method used to factor or simplify expressions of the form a^2 - b^2. It demonstrates how this expression can be factored into (a + b)(a - b) and verifies the formula using the distributive property. The tutorial provides examples to identify and factor expressions as differences of squares, including cases with coefficients and higher powers. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing squared values and the subtraction operation to apply the strategy effectively.

What is the basic formula for factoring a difference of squares?

• (a - b)(a - b)

• (a - b)(b - a)

• (a + b)(a - b)

• (a + b)(a + b)

Which property is used to verify the difference of squares formula?

• Identity Property

• Commutative Property

• Distributive Property

• Associative Property

What is the result of factoring x^2 - y^2 using the difference of squares?

• (x + y)(x - y)

• (x - y)(x - y)

• (x - y)(y - x)

• (x + y)(x + y)

Which of the following is a difference of squares?

• x^2 - 2x

• x^2 - 9

• x^2 + 4

• x^2 + y^2

Why can't x^2 + y^2 be factored using the difference of squares?

• Because it is already factored

• Because it is not a polynomial

• Because x and y are not squared

• Because it is a sum, not a difference

Which expression is not a difference of squares?

• x^2 - 1

• 4x^2 - 9

• x^2 - y^2

• x^2 + 1

How can 16r^2 - 25 be factored using the difference of squares?

• (4r + 5)(4r - 5)

• (4r - 5)(4r - 5)

• (4r - 5)(5r - 4)

• (4r + 5)(4r + 5)

What is the factored form of R^4 - x^2 using the difference of squares?

• (R^2 + x)(R^2 - x)

• (R^2 - x)(R^2 - x)

• (R^2 + x)(R^2 + x)

• (R^2 - x)(x - R^2)

What is the result of applying the difference of squares to 9a^2 - 16?

• (3a - 4)(4a - 3)

• (3a - 4)(3a - 4)

• (3a + 4)(3a - 4)

• (3a + 4)(3a + 4)

What is the factored form of 25x^2 - 36 using the difference of squares?

• (5x - 6)(6x - 5)

• (5x + 6)(5x - 6)

• (5x - 6)(5x - 6)

• (5x + 6)(5x + 6)