PrerequisitesPrerequisite

Difference of two squares

Recognize two squared terms being subtracted and factor them.

  • Use .
  • Take the square root of each term. Use one minus parenthesis and one plus parenthesis.
  • When you expand, the middle terms cancel.

Example 1

A square and a number

Factor fully.

Example 2

Two coefficients

Write the expression as a product of factors.

Example 3

Fractional squares

Factor fully.

Example 4

A fourth power and a square root

Factor fully, for .

Remember
Factor out any common factor first. This pattern requires subtraction.

Your turn

5 practice questions
Question 1

Factor fully.

Check answer
Question 2

Factor fully.

Check answer
Question 3

Factor fully.

Check answer
Question 4

Factor fully.

Check answer
Question 5

Factor fully.

Check answer