Find the difference of squares: (a - b)(a + b) = (a^2 - b^2)

What You'll Learn

Recognize the difference of squares pattern: a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b)

Factor binomials by identifying perfect square terms with subtraction

Apply the conjugate pattern to expand expressions like (3x + 4y)(3x - 4y)

Verify that middle terms cancel when multiplying conjugate pairs

Factor complex expressions multiple times when further factoring is possible

What You'll Practice

Factoring binomials with squared variables and constants

Multiplying conjugate pairs to produce difference of squares

Factoring expressions with higher exponents like x - 16

Factoring multi-step problems requiring repeated difference of squares

Factoring expressions involving perfect square trinomials and difference of squares

Why This Matters

Mastering difference of squares is essential for simplifying complex algebraic expressions and solving quadratic equations efficiently. This pattern appears throughout algebra, precalculus, and calculus, making it a crucial shortcut that saves time and reduces errors in advanced math.

Before You Start — Make Sure You Can:

Multiplying binomial by binomial Factoring perfect square trinomials: (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 or (a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2

This Unit Includes

8 Video lessons

Practice exercises

Skills

Difference of Squares

Factoring

Conjugates

Polynomials

Special Products

Perfect Squares

Algebraic Patterns

OH Curriculum Aligned