factor (x^2-4x+4)-y^2

Question

Please help me factor this, I'm not sure where to start. 

Answer 1

(x²-4x+4) - y²

 

First, factor the x²-4x+4 expression:

 

(x-2)² - y²

 

Now we have a "difference of squares", a² - b² = (a+b)(a-b), where a = (x-2) and b = y:

 

(x-2+y)(x-2-y)

Answer 2

x² - 4x + 4 - y²

 

(x - 2)² - y²