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…

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