Question

Why is the polynomial x^2 - 4 called a difference of two squares? Describe how to factor a difference of two squares.

Answer 1

Given polynomial

`x^2-4`

Use the algebric identities of square :

`(a+b)(a-b)=a^2-b^2`

Find the Greatest common factor in the polynomial

`x^2-4^{}^{}`

The GCF is one

Now, to factor this problem, determine what squares will equal to x^2 and what square will equal to 4

Since,

`x^2=x* x,4=2*2^{}`

Substitute the value in the g