Understanding the Difference of Squares Formula

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 141 views

Introduction

In algebra, factoring an expression as the product of binomials is a crucial skill that helps us simplify complex expressions and solve equations. In this article, we will focus on factoring the expression $p^2 - \frac{49}{100}$ as the product of binomials. We will use the difference of squares formula to factor the expression and provide step-by-step solutions.

Understanding the Difference of Squares Formula

The difference of squares formula is a fundamental concept in algebra that states:

$a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)$

This formula can be used to factor expressions of the form $a^2 - b^2$ , where $a$ and $b$ are any real numbers.

Applying the Difference of Squares Formula

To factor the expression $p^2 - \frac{49}{100}$ , we can use the difference of squares formula. We can rewrite the expression as:

$p^2 - \left(\frac{7}{10}\right)^2$

Now, we can apply the difference of squares formula:

$p^2 - \left(\frac{7}{10}\right)^2 = \left(p + \frac{7}{10}\right)\left(p - \frac{7}{10}\right)$

Step-by-Step Solution

To factor the expression $p^2 - \frac{49}{100}$ , follow these steps:

Identify the expression: The given expression is $p^2 - \frac{49}{100}$ .
Rewrite the expression: Rewrite the expression as $p^2 - \left(\frac{7}{10}\right)^2$ .
Apply the difference of squares formula: Apply the difference of squares formula to factor the expression.
Simplify the expression: Simplify the expression by multiplying the two binomials.

Example

Let's consider an example to illustrate the concept. Suppose we want to factor the expression $x^2 - 9$ . We can use the difference of squares formula to factor the expression:

$x^2 - 9 = (x + 3)(x - 3)$

Real-World Applications

Factoring expressions as the product of binomials has numerous real-world applications. For instance, in physics, we can use factoring to solve problems involving motion and energy. In engineering, we can use factoring to design and optimize systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, factoring the expression $p^2 - \frac{49}{100}$ as the product of binomials is a crucial skill that helps us simplify complex expressions and solve equations. By using the difference of squares formula, we can factor the expression and provide step-by-step solutions. We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the concept of factoring expressions as the product of binomials.

Additional Resources

For further learning, we recommend the following resources:

Khan Academy: Factoring Expressions
Mathway: Factoring Expressions
Wolfram Alpha: Factoring Expressions

FAQs

Q: What is the difference of squares formula? A: The difference of squares formula is a fundamental concept in algebra that states: $a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)$ .

Q: How do I factor an expression as the product of binomials? A: To factor an expression as the product of binomials, use the difference of squares formula and simplify the expression.

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed factoring the expression $p^2 - \frac{49}{100}$ as the product of binomials using the difference of squares formula. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to address common questions and concerns related to factoring expressions as the product of binomials.

Q&A

Q: What is the difference of squares formula? A: The difference of squares formula is a fundamental concept in algebra that states: $a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)$ . This formula can be used to factor expressions of the form $a^2 - b^2$ , where $a$ and $b$ are any real numbers.

Q: How do I factor an expression as the product of binomials? A: To factor an expression as the product of binomials, follow these steps:

Identify the expression: Identify the expression you want to factor.
Rewrite the expression: Rewrite the expression in the form $a^2 - b^2$ .
Apply the difference of squares formula: Apply the difference of squares formula to factor the expression.
Simplify the expression: Simplify the expression by multiplying the two binomials.

Q: What are the common mistakes to avoid when factoring expressions as the product of binomials? A: Some common mistakes to avoid when factoring expressions as the product of binomials include:

Not rewriting the expression in the correct form: Make sure to rewrite the expression in the form $a^2 - b^2$ before applying the difference of squares formula.
Not applying the difference of squares formula correctly: Make sure to apply the difference of squares formula correctly by multiplying the two binomials.
Not simplifying the expression: Make sure to simplify the expression by multiplying the two binomials.

Q: What are the real-world applications of factoring expressions as the product of binomials? A: Factoring expressions as the product of binomials has numerous real-world applications, including:

Physics: Factoring expressions as the product of binomials can be used to solve problems involving motion and energy.
Engineering: Factoring expressions as the product of binomials can be used to design and optimize systems.
Computer Science: Factoring expressions as the product of binomials can be used to solve problems involving algorithms and data structures.

Q: How do I know if an expression can be factored as the product of binomials? A: To determine if an expression can be factored as the product of binomials, follow these steps:

Check if the expression is in the form $a^2 - b^2$ : Check if the expression is in the form $a^2 - b^2$ .
Apply the difference of squares formula: Apply the difference of squares formula to factor the expression.
Simplify the expression: Simplify the expression by multiplying the two binomials.

Q: What are some common expressions that can be factored as the product of binomials? A: Some common expressions that can be factored as the product of binomials include:

$x^2 - 9$
$y^2 - 16$
$z^2 - 25$

Conclusion

In conclusion, factoring expressions as the product of binomials is a crucial skill that helps us simplify complex expressions and solve equations. By using the difference of squares formula, we can factor expressions and provide step-by-step solutions. We hope this Q&A article has provided valuable insights into the concept of factoring expressions as the product of binomials.