Factoring 15a - Difference of 2 Squares

In this lesson on factoring, we learn about the formula for factoring the difference of two squares, which is a subtraction sign between two perfect squares. By using the formula, a plus b times a minus b, we can easily factor expressions like 4x squared minus 9 or m squared minus 16y squared. We also learn that the sum of two squares cannot be factored, and that recognizing a difference of two squares is key to factoring efficiently.

Covers the formula for the factoring the difference of two squares, including examples.

• How do you factor the difference of two squares?
• What is the difference of two squares?
• What happens when you multiply or foil (2x - 3)(2x + 3)?
• Why is 4x^2 - 9 the difference of two squares?
• How do you factor 4x^2 - 9?
• What is the formula for the difference of two squares?
• Why does a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)?
• How do you factor m^2 - 16y^2 using the difference of squares formula?
• How do you know what to put in parentheses when you use the difference of squares formula?
• How do you factor x^2 - 36?
• How do you factor y^2 + 49?
• What is the sum of two squares?
• Why can you not factor the sum of 2 squares?
• How do you factor 2x^2 - 18?
• What is the first step when you factor a polynomial?
• How do you factor m^6 - x^16?
• How do you factor x^8 - 16 using the difference of two squares formula?
• How do you know if you are done factoring when factoring a difference of squares?
• How can you factor (x^2 + 4)(x^2 - 4) even more?