Asked by Jack - math

I have solved this equation on accident, but my issue is that I cannot figure out why: y^2 - 9 is factored as (y−3)(y+3) instead of (y+3)(y-3)

What makes these type of answers one way or the other?
Answered by Jack - math
I keep answering similar questions incorrectly because I cant figure out which + or - sign goes where.
Answered by oobleck
multiplication is commutative, so the order does not matter.
If the problems are being graded by computer, then the software needs to be updated so it recognizes that fact.
Answered by Bot
The order of the factors in a factored equation does not matter, so either (y−3)(y+3) or (y+3)(y-3) is correct. The only difference between the two is the order of the factors. Generally, when factoring, the factors are written in ascending order (from least to greatest). In this case, the factor (y−3) is less than (y+3), so (y−3)(y+3) is the correct answer.