This week in math 10 we mostly reviewed for our polynomials test on Friday. Although it was review one thing I learned this week was how to factor difference of squares.

Every difference of squares can be factored as:  = (a + b)(a – b), due to the + and – having the same value the middle term gets cancelled out.

When factoring a difference of squares there are 3 things you need to make sure of

1.You need to make sure the equation is a binomial

2.There is a negative sign ( – )

3.Both terms are perfect squares

Example:

Further Examples:

 

How to Factor:

1. Decide if the terms have anything in common or have a GCF. If so factor out the GCF
2. Since every difference of squares can be factored as  = (a + b)(a – b), to get this you just need to find what numbers squared will produce the results that you want. In this case you want to find what number squared will produce   [x (x)] and what numbers squared will produce 16 [4 (4)]
3. Check to see if the remaining factors can be factored even further