How Do You Factor a Polynomial Using Difference of Squares?

How Do You Factor a Polynomial Using Difference of Squares?

Note:

Trying to factor a binomial with perfect square factors that are being subtracted? You have a difference of squares problem! Learn how to factor a binomial like this one by watching this tutorial.

Keywords:

  • problem
  • factor
  • polynomial
  • difference of squares
  • binomial
  • perfect square
  • square
  • difference

Background Tutorials

  • Identify parts of an expression using mathematical terms (sum, term, product, factor, quotient, coefficient); view one or more parts of an expression as a single entity.

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      What's a Coefficient?

      There is a bunch of vocabulary that you just need to know when it comes to algebra, and coefficient is one of the key words that you have to feel 100% comfortable with. Check out the tutorial and let us know if you want to learn more about coefficients!

      • What's a Term?What's a Term?

      What's a Term?

      Polynomials are those expressions that have variables raised to all sorts of powers and multiplied by all types of numbers. When you work with polynomials you need to know a bit of vocabulary, and one of the words you need to feel comfortable with is 'term'. So check out this tutorial, where you'll learn exactly what a 'term' in a polynomial is all about.

  • Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables. Include expressions that arise from formulas used in real-world problems. Perform arithmetic operations, including those involving whole-number exponents, in the conventional order when there are no parentheses to specify a particular order (Order of Operations).

      • What is a Variable?What is a Variable?

      What is a Variable?

      You can't do algebra without working with variables, but variables can be confusing. If you've ever wondered what variables are, then this tutorial is for you!

  • Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it.

      • How Do You Know if You Have a Difference of Squares?How Do You Know if You Have a Difference of Squares?

      How Do You Know if You Have a Difference of Squares?

      Not sure if the binomial you've factoring is a difference of squares problem? This tutorial will show you what characteristics the binomial must have in order to be a difference of squares problem. Take a look!

  • Understand that polynomials form a system analogous to the integers, namely, they are closed under the operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication; add, subtract, and multiply polynomials.

      • How Do You Multiply Binomials Using FOIL?How Do You Multiply Binomials Using FOIL?

      How Do You Multiply Binomials Using FOIL?

      Looking for practice using the FOIL method? This tutorial delivers! It takes you step-by-step through the FOIL method as you multiply together to binomials.

      • What's FOIL?What's FOIL?

      What's FOIL?

      The FOIL method. No, not aluminum foil! The FOIL method stands for First, Outer, Inner, and Last. It's a popular way multiply two binomials together. This tutorial makes the FOIL method a breeze!