Difference of Squares

Notice that the first and last terms are separated by a negative, and that they are perfect squares. 4x2 - 25y2 Find the square roots of these terms. The factored answer is a FOIL multiplication, using these square roots. One factor adds them, the other subtracts them.

Example: 4x2 - 25y2 Use the square roots of the two parts; one factor is + and one is - = (2x + 5y) (2x - 5y)

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