Example

Factoring 121p29q2121p^2 - 9q^2

To factor 121p29q2121p^2 - 9q^2, recognize it as a difference of squares: (11p)2(3q)2(11p)^2 - (3q)^2. Applying the pattern a2b2=(ab)(a+b)a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b) with a=11pa = 11p and b=3qb = 3q results in the product of conjugates (11p3q)(11p+3q)(11p - 3q)(11p + 3q). Checking by multiplying confirms (11p3q)(11p+3q)=121p29q2(11p - 3q)(11p + 3q) = 121p^2 - 9q^2.

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Updated 2026-04-30

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