Question

Factor this polynomial expression.

x2 - 25
O A. (x - 25)(x - 25)
O B. (x+ 5)(x - 5)
C. (x - 5)(x - 5)
O D. (x+25)(x - 25)

Answer 1

B. (x + 5)(x - 5)

Explanation:

Factor the following:

`\longrightarrow` x² - 25

25 = 5²:

`\longrightarrow` x² - 5²

Factor the difference of two squares.

a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b):

`\longrightarrow` (x + 5)(x - 5)

Answer 2

(x+5)(x-5)

Explanation:

x^2 - 25

This can be written as

x^2 - 5^2

We know that this is the difference of squares

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

x^2 - 5^2 = (x+5)(x-5)