Table of Contents Factoring A Difference Of Squares Difference of Squares: A difference of squares is an algebraic expression of the form A 2 – B 2, where A and B are algebraic expressions. For example, (3x) 2 – (x + 2) 2 is a difference of squares with A = 3x and B = x + 2. First, write as a difference of squares, identifying A and B. A differ. of squares, A 2 – B 2, factors as (A + B) (A – B). (5x) 2 – (7) 2 A = 5x and B = 7. Last write as (A + B) (A – B). (5x + 7) (5x – 7) (A + B) (A – B) Example 1: Factor, 25x 2 – 49.

Table of Contents Factoring A Difference Of Squares Slide 2 Example 2: Factor, 4 – (x + 1) 2. First, write as a difference of squares, identifying A and B. (2) 2 – (x + 1) 2 A = 2 and B = x + 1. Last write as (A + B) (A – B). (2 + (x + 1)) (2 – (x + 1)) (A + B) (A – B) (3 + x) (1 – x )

Table of Contents Factoring A Difference Of Squares Slide 3 Try: Factor, 100x 2 – 9y 2 z 2. The expression, 100x 2 – 9y 2 z 2, factors as: (10x + 3yz)(10x – 3yz). Try: Factor, (y – 3) 2 – 36x 2. The expression, (y – 3) 2 – 36x 2, factors as: (y – 3 + 6x)(y – 3 – 6x).

Table of Contents Factoring A Difference Of Squares