SOLUTION: Factor completely. Look first for a common factor. If a polynomial is prime, state this. 25x^2 - 4

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Factor completely. Look first for a common factor. If a polynomial is prime, state this. 25x^2 - 4      Log On


   



Question 423906: Factor completely. Look first for a common factor. If a polynomial is prime, state this. 25x^2 - 4
Answer by nerdybill(7384) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Notice, we can rewrite:
25x^2 - 4
as:
(5x)^2 - 2^2
This is now a "difference of squares" (special factoring case):
(5x - 2)(5x + 2)