SOLUTION: please explain the difference between A squared - B squared and (a-b) squared. Include a discussion of factoring, simplifying, terms and factors.

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Question 24643: please explain the difference between A squared - B squared and (a-b) squared. Include a discussion of factoring, simplifying, terms and factors.
Answer by longjonsilver(2297) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a%5E2+-+b%5E2 is a*a - b*b.

%28a-b%29%5E2 is (a-b)*(a-b) which can be multiplied out to give a%5E2+-+2ab+%2B+b%5E2.

Just from looking at them both, they are different expressions.

The first is known as a difference of squares, since that is what it is. It is a useful polynomial to spot as it factorises to (a+b)(a-b).

The second is just a standard squared polynomial.

jon.