SOLUTION: Factor the polynomial Please. Thanks! 36m^2-25

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Factor the polynomial Please. Thanks! 36m^2-25      Log On


   



Question 74121: Factor the polynomial Please. Thanks!
36m^2-25

Answer by rmromero(383) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Factor the polynomial Please. Thanks!
36m^2-25
Notice that 36x^2 and 25 are perfect squares.
6x * itself or 6x * 6x = 36x^2 right?
5 * itself or 5 * 5 = 25 right?
then the operation involves subtraction
So this is a special case : Difference of two squares.
x^2 - y^2 = (x - y) (x + y)

using 36x^2 - 25 = (6x - 5)(6x + 5)

Checking:
(6x - 5)(6x + 5) = 6x(6x) + 6x(5) + 6x(-5) + (5)(-5)
= 36x^2 + 30x - 30x - 25
= 3x^2 - 25 --->> true

If my solution helps,
Visit: www.freeweb.com/onlinemathclass
and Leave a comment. Thanks