Use the difference of squares pattern to factor the polynomial. $x ^ { 2 } - 49$
A) ( x $-$ 7) ( x + 7)
B) ( x $-$ 49) ( x + 49)
C) ( x + 7) ( x + 49)
D) ( x $-$ 7) ( x $-$ 49)
E) none of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is a perfect example of the difference of squares pattern. The binomial is of the form $a^2 - b^2$, which factors into $(a + b)(a - b)$. In this case, $a = x$ and $b = 7$, so the factored form is $(x + 7)(x - 7)$.

Use the Difference of Squares Pattern to Factor the Polynomial x2−49x ^ { 2 } - 49x2−49

Use the Difference of Squares Pattern to Factor the Polynomial $x ^ { 2 } - 49$