Betting on Squares
- Author:
- Jaime Dianzon
Can you tell the difference between two squares?
OBJECTIVE: To learn how to factor the Difference of Two Squares
In a previous lesson, you learned the process of factoring polynomials completely.
Going with the Flow: https://www.geogebra.org/m/gtjh795t
The first step in any factoring problem is always to check for the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) or Common Monomial Factor (CMF). Once the GCF/CMF has been factored out, the next step is to count the number of terms in the polynomial and look for any special factors: Difference Of Two Squares (DOTS), Difference Of Two Cubes (DOTC), Sum of Two Cubes (SOTC), and Perfect Square Trinomials (PST).
In this lesson, you'll learn how to factor the Difference of Two Squares—the most common special factor dealing with binomials. Take note that there's no such thing as sum of two squares (x² + y²), so if you're asked to factor them, just write 'prime,' meaning 'cannot be factored.'
The Difference of Two Squares is factored as follows: x² - y² = (x + y)(x - y).
The applet below serves as a drill for factoring the Difference of Two Squares. Make sure to factor out the GCF first before attempting to factor the Difference of Two Squares.
Below is a set of problems that require you to factor the Difference of Two Squares.
Check the Answer Box below for the correct answers.
Difference of Two Squares
ANSWER BOX:
Check out the answers to the above problems here.
Today you learned how to factor the Difference of Two Squares.
In future lessons, you'll learn how to factor other special binomials. Hope you ENJOYED today's lesson.