Virtual Nerd: How Do You Factor a Polynomial Using Difference of Squares?

Practice is an important learning tool. This practice problem allows students to apply their know-how to factoring a binomial with a difference of squares. Sal explains his process briefly, making this video suitable for those already...

Do you have a perfect square binomial? Don't know, not sure, what is a perfect square binomial? The instructor takes you through many steps to see if this given binomial is a perfect square. It is, and she shows you how to factor it.

Do you have a perfect square binomial? Don't know, not sure, what is a perfect square binomial? The instructor takes you through many steps to see if this given binomial is a perfect square. It is, and she shows you how to factor it.

What is the difference of a cube? When is it used? How does it work? Use it to factor a binomial involving subtraction. Rewrite the terms as a cubed expression. Then apply the difference of cubes formula. Don't forget to simplify. Still...

Factor a binomial using the sum of cubes method. The strategy here is to rewrite each of the expressions in the binomial as a term cubed. That's just two steps. Ok. Wait! There is a formula that is used to finish factoring the binomial....

Knowing how to find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) is crucial to solving an equation or simplifying an expression. Review for the SAT by watching this tutorial that walks you through the process. [4:57]

The teacher explains the many steps in simplifying a rational expression using opposite binomial factors. At first it seems complicated but if you follow along and watch out for your negative numbers you can learn how to simplify this...

How do you know that a binomial can be factored using the difference of squares? First try finding the greatest common factor and pulling that out. Then take a look at what is left. Are the coefficients perfect squares? Then it could be...

Multiply a rational expression and a polynomial. No problem, you can do it. Turn your polynomial into a fraction and multiply. You might need to factor your polynomials first to see if you can cancel out some terms, thereby reducing it...

What are the characteristics of a polynomial that would make it factorable by the difference of squares rule? There are four must haves: two terms, coefficients are perfect squares, minus sign, degree of each term is even or zero. If it...