The difference of two squares,
𝑎
2
−
𝑏
2
a
2
−b
2
, factors as
(
𝑎
+
𝑏
)
(
𝑎
−
𝑏
)
(a+b)(a−b). To solve, identify the squares, rewrite the expression, and apply the formula. For example,
9
𝑥
2
−
16
=
(
3
𝑥
)
2
−
4
2
=
(
3
𝑥
+
4
)
(
3
𝑥
−
4
)
9x
2
−16=(3x)
2
−4
2
=(3x+4)(3x−4). Repeat for higher powers if needed, such as
𝑥
4
−
1
=
(
𝑥
2
+
1
)
(
𝑥
+
1
)
(
𝑥
−
1
)
x
4
−1=(x
2
+1)(x+1)(x−1).
Enter two numbers \(a\) and \(b\):
(a² - b²) = (a + b)(a - b)