7
QuizMultiple Choice

Factoring Polynomials: Difference of Squares

Question 7 • FL-1200700-Mathematics for College Algebra MIS

Which polynomial can be simplified to a difference of squares?

Answer
A
10a2 + 3a – 3a – 16
B
16a2 – 4a + 4a – 1
C
25a2 + 6a – 6a + 36
D
24a2 – 9a + 9a + 4

Explanation

In choice B, the middle terms cancel: 16a² − 4a + 4a − 1 = 16a² − 1. This is a difference of squares because 16a² = (4a)² and 1 = 1², so it factors as (4a − 1)(4a + 1).

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