Math Problem Statement

Factor completely: 25x^2 - 16

Solution

The given expression is 25x21625x^2 - 16.

This is a difference of squares, which follows the pattern:

a2b2=(ab)(a+b)a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)

Here, we can rewrite 25x225x^2 as (5x)2(5x)^2 and 1616 as 424^2. Therefore, the expression becomes:

25x216=(5x)24225x^2 - 16 = (5x)^2 - 4^2

Now apply the difference of squares formula:

25x216=(5x4)(5x+4)25x^2 - 16 = (5x - 4)(5x + 4)

Thus, the completely factored form of 25x21625x^2 - 16 is:

(5x4)(5x+4)(5x - 4)(5x + 4)

Would you like more details on any part of this solution?

Here are 5 related questions to extend this concept:

  1. How would you factor the expression 9x2259x^2 - 25?
  2. Can every quadratic expression be factored using the difference of squares method?
  3. What is the factored form of 4x2494x^2 - 49?
  4. How do you determine if an expression is a difference of squares?
  5. What happens when you try to factor x2+4x^2 + 4, which is a sum of squares?

Tip: Always check for the greatest common factor (GCF) before applying other factoring methods!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Difference of Squares

Formulas

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

Theorems

Difference of Squares Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10