Example

Factoring 144x249y2144x^2 - 49y^2

To factor 144x249y2144x^2 - 49y^2, recognize it as a difference of squares: (12x)2(7y)2(12x)^2 - (7y)^2. Applying the pattern a2b2=(ab)(a+b)a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b) with a=12xa = 12x and b=7yb = 7y results in the product of conjugates (12x7y)(12x+7y)(12x - 7y)(12x + 7y). Checking by multiplying confirms (12x7y)(12x+7y)=144x249y2(12x - 7y)(12x + 7y) = 144x^2 - 49y^2.

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Updated 2026-04-30

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