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Difference of Two Squares Flashcards
GCSE Mathematics (Edexcel) 1MA1
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Difference of Two Squares
An expression in the form a² - b², which can be factorised as (a + b)(a - b).
Formula for Difference of Two Squares
a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b)
Key Feature of Difference of Two Squares
The terms must be perfect squares and separated by a subtraction sign.
Factorise x² - 16
(x + 4)(x - 4)
Factorise 9x² - 25
(3x + 5)(3x - 5)
Factorise 4a² - 49b²
(2a + 7b)(2a - 7b)
Expand (x + 3)(x - 3)
x² - 9
Expand (2x + 5)(2x - 5)
4x² - 25
Why is x² + 16 not a Difference of Two Squares?
Because it is a sum, not a difference, and cannot be factorised using this method.
How to identify a Difference of Two Squares
Check if the expression has two terms, both are perfect squares, and there is a subtraction sign between them.
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