Yes, the difference of squares occurs specifically when there is a subtraction (minus) sign between two squared terms. The general form of the difference of squares is:

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

In this case, $a^2$ and $b^2$ are the squares, and the subtraction between them is crucial. The expression must involve subtraction for it to be factored as a difference of squares. If there were a plus sign in the middle, it would not be a difference of squares and could not be factored in the same way.

For example:

• $x^2 - 9$ is a difference of squares, and it factors as $(x - 3)(x + 3)$.
• $x^2 + 9$ is not a difference of squares and cannot be factored using this formula.

Would you like further explanation or examples?

Relative Questions:

1. How do you factor more complex differences of squares, like $16x^2 - 25$?
2. Can you always factor expressions with a minus sign between squares?
3. How can you recognize if an expression is a difference of squares?
4. What happens if the terms in the expression are not perfect squares?
5. Can a trinomial be factored as a difference of squares?

Tip:

Always check if the two terms in the expression are perfect squares before factoring using the difference of squares method.