Question

The diagram represents a difference of squares.

A 2-column table with 2 rows. The labels for the columns and rows are blank. First column entries are m squared, 6 m. Second column entries are negative 6 m, negative 36.
What are the factors of m2 – 6m + 6m – 36?

(m – 2)(m + 18)
(m – 3)(m + 3)
(m – 4)(m + 9)
(m – 6)(m + 6)

Answer 1

m^2 − 6m + 6m − 36 = m^2 − 36 (the ±6m cancel).
m^2 − 36 is a difference of squares: (m − 6)(m + 6).

Answer: (m − 6)(m + 6).