Factoring Differences of Squares a2 – b2 = (a + b)(a – b)

REMEMBER THIS…… PRODUCT OF A SUM AND DIFFERENCE Multiplying the sum and difference of the same two terms results in a special product called the difference of squares. Watch…… Notice – same terms, opposite Signs. Because the terms are the same and the signs are opposite, the middle terms cancel out.

There is a short-cut for the Difference of Two Squares? Answer these questions for each problem. * First term a perfect square? * Last term a perfect square? * Minus between them? If they all answer yes, then just write your answers!! Watch…

Check each piece of the problem!! If they are ALL perfect squares, then follow the same steps!! You just have to factor top and bottom for each fraction!!

Check each piece of the problem!! If they are ALL perfect squares, then follow the same steps!! You just have to factor top and bottom for each fraction!!

Sometimes there won’t appear to be a difference of two squares….. So, first check for a GCF. Now check ( ) for the difference of two squares.

Try these….. No Difference? Perfect Square? Perfect Square? Perfect Yes No Yes Yes Is there a GCF? Is there a GCF? No No PRIME PRIME