Find the difference of squares: (a - b)(a + b) = (a^2 - b^2)
Topic Notes
The word "difference" in the difference of squares essentially means "subtract". However, solving this type of question is not subtracting the squared terms. It involves factoring and multiplying conjugates, which you will learn it all in this lesson.
Basic Concepts
- Multiplying binomial by binomial
- Factoring perfect square trinomials: (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 or (a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2