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

2. 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.

3. 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…

6. 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!!

7. 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!!

8. 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.

9. 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