Question

factor each trinomial completely
x^2 - 25

x^2 - 10x + 25

36x^2 - 4t^2

Answer 1

explain how you got the answer

Answer 2

1. x^2 - 25 = (x + 5)(x - 5)

2. x^2 - 10x + 25 = (x - 5)(x - 5) or (x - 5)^2

3. 36x^2 - 4t^2 = (6x + 2t)(6x - 2t) or (6x + 2t)(6x + 2t)

Answer 3

1. x^2 - 25 can be written as a difference of squares: x^2 - 5^2 = (x + 5)(x - 5)

2. x^2 - 10x + 25 can be factored as a perfect square trinomial: (x - 5)^2 = (x - 5)(x - 5) or (x - 5)^2

3. 36x^2 - 4t^2 can also be factored as a difference of squares: (6x)^2 - (2t)^2 = (6x + 2t)(6x - 2t) or (6x + 2t)(6x + 2t)