Difference of SquaresThe pattern worth spotting instantly, and the one that looks…9th GradeA difference of two squares always factorsinto a sum times a difference.a² − b² = (a + b)(a − b)x² − 16(x+4)(x−4)Both are perfect squares, subtracted.9x² − 25(3x+5)(3x−5)9x² is (3x)².x⁴ − 81(x²+9)(x²−9)Then factor again: (x²+9)(x+3)(x−3).x² + 16does not factorA SUM of squares has no real factorisation.THE COMMON MISTAKE✗ x² + 16 = (x+4)(x+4)✓ x² + 16 does not factor over the realsExpand (x+4)(x+4) and you get x² + 8x + 16. The middle term does not vanish.Difference of squares factors. Sum of squares does not — not withreal numbers.Difference of Squareswww.littleactivity.com

Full preview — nothing is watermarked or held back.

Math · 9th Grade

Difference of Squares

The pattern worth spotting instantly, and the one that looks similar but does not factor.

How to use it

Check: two terms, both perfect squares, separated by a minus. All three, or it is not this.

Free · print-ready PDF · US Letter and A4

Grade
9th Grade
Ages
14–15
Subject
Math
Pages
1

The rest of the 9th Grade wall

49 more posters, all free to print — 11 of them here.

Your Cart (0)

Your cart is empty

Browse our shop to find activities your kids will love