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. 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.

7. 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