In this section we are learning how to factor difference of squares:
Difference of squares are polynomials of the type: a2 - b2.
This factors as the product of two parenthesis: (a + b)(a - b)
Here are some practice exercises for factoring difference of squares:
a) x2 - 16 b) 9x2 - 25 c) 40x2 - 4y2
Now let's see how to use this factoring method to solve equations:
Example 1: Solve x2 = 16
Example 2: Solve 9x2 = 64
Example 3: Solve 7x2 – 7 = 0
Example 4 Solve x4 – 16 = 0
Example 5: Solve x3 – 49x = 0
Example 6: The combined area of two squares is 40 square centimeters. Each side of one square is three times as long as a side of the other square. Find the dimensions of each of the squares.