SOLUTION: I do not understand how to Factor Polynomials before canceling, please explain. Also, what does the difference of two perfect squares, look like? Thank you, Jerry 9th grad

Question 823653: I do not understand how to Factor Polynomials before canceling, please explain.
Also, what does the difference of two perfect squares, look like?
Thank you,
Jerry
9th grade
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, stanbon:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39616) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Your question suggests you have rational expressions, and that they are of polynomials. Just factor the numerator and denominator that way you would have already learned. Look then for any factor occurring both in the numerator AND the denominator, and "Cancel" as a redundant factor of 1. If this is not clear enough as an answer, then give more specific information and it may serve as an instructive example.
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I do not understand how to Factor Polynomials before canceling, please explain.
Also, what does the difference of two perfect squares, look like?
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Factorable forms::
Common Factor:: ax + bx = x(a+b)
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Difference of squares:: a^2-x^2 = (a-x)(a+x)
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Perfect Square:: a^2 +-2ab + b^2 = (x+-b)^2
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General Trinomial:
Example: a^2+ ab + 6b^2 = (a+3b)(a-b)
Example: a^2 -3ab -10b^2 = (a-5b)(a+2b)
-------
There are many other factorable forms;
Check Google to find factoring methods.
=========
Cheers,
Stan H.
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