Difference of two squares
Recognise two squared terms being subtracted and factorise them.
- Use
. - Take the square root of each term. Use one minus bracket and one plus bracket.
- When you expand, the middle terms cancel.
Example 1
A square and a number
Factorise fully.
Example 2
Two coefficients
Write the expression as a product of factors.
Example 3
Fractional squares
Factorise fully.
Example 4
A fourth power and a square root
Factorise fully, for
Remember
Factor out any common factor first. This pattern requires subtraction.
Your turn
Question 1
Factorise fully.
Check answer
Question 2
Factorise fully.
Check answer
Question 3
Factorise fully.
Check answer
Question 4
Factorise fully.
Check answer
Question 5
Factorise fully.
Check answer
Factorise fully.
Factorise fully.
Factorise fully.
Factorise fully.
Factorise fully.