Question

Which of the expressions below can be factored using the difference of squares method? A. 25x2 - 64y2 B. 17x2 + 23y2 C. 17x2 - 23y2 D. 25x2 + 64y2

Answer 1

Difference of squares method is a method that is used to evaluate the difference between two perfect squares.

For example, given an algebraic expression in the form:
$x^2-y^2$
can be factored as follows:
$(x-y)(x+y)$

From the given expressions, the only expression containing two perfect squares with the minus sign in the middle is the expression in option A.
i.e. $25x^2-64y^2$
which can be factored as follows:
$(5x-8y)(5x+8y)$.