Craig T.

asked • 11/28/16

factoring polynomials

 
25x2-16

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Inactive Tutor answered • 11/28/16

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This is a special case called the difference of squares.
 
Notice that 25 is 52
Also notice that 16 is 42
 
Therefore, the factored form looks like this:
(5x+4)(5x-4)
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Inactive Tutor

Please double-check the power of x in your factorization.
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11/28/16

Craig T.

Adam,
 
   Thank you so much, I'm really are having a hard time with this factoring stuff
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11/28/16

Inactive Tutor

Whoops, typo. I fixed it. Thanks for catching that Arturo.
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11/28/16

Inactive Tutor

You are welcome, Adam.  Keep up the good work.
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11/28/16

Inactive Tutor answered • 11/28/16

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Note that you have a difference of squares, i.e. an expression of the form
 
a2 - b2
 
which factors out as (a - b)(a + b).  Then
 
25x2 - 16 = (5x)2 - 42 = (5x - 4)(5x + 4)
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Craig T.

 
Hi Arturo,
 
    Thank you for the help because I am having a hard time with this stuff that's all.
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11/28/16

Inactive Tutor

Craig,
 
After factoring, it is also good to test the solution by multiplying the factors to make sure you get the same expression you started out with.
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11/28/16

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