Question

Which of the expressions below can be factored using the difference of

squares method?
A. 17x^2+23y^2
B. 25x^2+64y^2
C.25x^2-64y^2
D.17x^2-23y^2

Answer 1

C

Explanation:

A difference of squares can be factored in general as

a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b)

We are looking for 2 terms separated by a - and perfect squares on either side. The only one meeting this criteria is

25x² - 64y²

= (5x)² - (8y)²

= (5x - 8y)(5x + 8y) ← in factored form