Pierce Khoury

Mr. Malone
Algebra 1
5/3/18
Factoring Different of 2 Squares
Equation= A2 – B2= [ A + B] [ A – B]
Problem:
A=x, B= 3
a.) X2-9
(x+3) (x-3)
b.) X2-100
A=x, B=10
c.) 16x2-81
A=9, B=-9
(4x + 9) (4x-9)

Explanation:
Step 1: Decide if the four terms have anything in common, called the greatest common factor or
GCF. If so, factor out the GCF. Do not forget to include the GCF as part of your final answer. In
this case, the two terms only have a 1 in common which is of no help.
Step 2: To factor this problem into the form (a + b) (a – b), you need to determine what squares
will equal x2 and what squared will equal. In this case the choices are x and 3.
Step 3: Determine if any of the remaining factors can be factored further. In this case they
cannot, so the final answer is: (4x + 9) (4x-9)