Factor Difference of Squares

Videos, worksheets, solutions, and activities to help Algebra 1 students learn how to factor the difference of squares.

What is Difference of Two Squares?
A binomial in the form a² - b² is called the difference of two squares.

How to factor a Difference of Two Squares?
a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b)

Factor the Difference of Two Squares
This math lesson covers how to factor the difference of two squares by recognizing the pattern a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b). A simple example is provided. A second, extended example includes a multi-step factoring problem.
Example 1: Factor 4x² - 9y²
Example 2: Factor 5x³ - 45x

Difference of Two Squares
Students learn that a binomial in the form a² - b² is called the difference of two squares, and can be factored as (a + b)(a - b).
Example: x² - 144

Factoring Difference of Squares
Factor:
x² - 25
16a² - 81
5r² - 20

• Show Step-by-step Solutions

Factoring difference of squares
Factor:
x² - 49
a² - 64
4c² - 16
25m² - 36

• Show Step-by-step Solutions

Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.

We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.