Activity (Process)

Procedure for Factoring Differences of Squares

To factor a difference of squares, follow these steps:

  1. Check if the binomial fits the pattern a2b2a^2 - b^2. Verify that it is a difference (subtraction) and that the first and last terms are perfect squares.
  2. Write the terms as squares: (a)2(b)2(a)^2 - (b)^2.
  3. Write the factored expression as the product of conjugates: (ab)(a+b)(a - b)(a + b).
  4. Check the result by multiplying the conjugates to ensure they produce the original binomial.

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Updated 2026-04-30

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Ch.6 Factoring - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

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