1. Factoring – Difference of Two Squares Factoring a Difference of Two Squares Difference (subtraction) sign Two Squares

2. Example 1 Factor: Write as a difference of two squares Follow the pattern Note thatis an equivalent answer.

3. Example 2 Factor: Write as a difference of two squares Follow the pattern

4. Example 3 Factor: Write as a difference of two squares Follow the pattern

5. Example 4 Factor: Write as a difference of two squares Follow the pattern

6. Note that we are not done. There is still a difference of two squares. The last factor is a sum of two squares, which can’t be factored using real numbers.

7. In factoring, keep the following in mind: 1.Always factor out the Greatest Common Factor first. 2.Factor the quantity in parentheses using whatever method is called for. 3.Always look at your end result and ask, “can this be factored any more?”

8. Example 5 Factor: Write the quantity as a difference of two squares Greatest Common Factor Factor the difference of two squares