๐Ÿ“ˆcollege algebra review

key term - Difference of squares

Definition

The difference of squares is a specific type of polynomial that takes the form $a^2 - b^2$, which can be factored into $(a + b)(a - b)$. It is based on the property that the product of a sum and a difference of two terms results in the difference of their squares.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The general form is $a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)$.
  2. It involves two squared terms with a subtraction between them.
  3. Recognizing this pattern helps simplify polynomial expressions.
  4. It can be used to solve equations by factoring.
  5. The factors are always binomials consisting of the sum and difference of the square roots of each term.

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