Question

Factor the polynomial 5x^2 - 5

Answer 1

We are given the following polynomial

`5x^2-5`

Let us factor this polynomial.

First of all, notice that you can take 5 common

`5x^2-5=5(x^2-1)`

Now you can apply the difference of squares formula

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

Where a = x and b = 1

`5\mleft(x^2-1\mright)=5\mleft(x+1\mright)\mleft(x-1\mright)`

Therefore, the factorized polynomial is

`5\mleft(x+1\mright)\mleft(x-1\mright)`