factor the expression u*(u-v)+v*(v-u)

1 answer

To factor the expression \( u(u - v) + v(v - u) \), let's start by rewriting it:

\[ u(u - v) + v(v - u) = u^2 - uv + v^2 - vu \]

Notice that \( -uv \) and \( -vu \) are the same term. Therefore, we can simplify further:

\[ u^2 - uv + v^2 - uv = u^2 - 2uv + v^2 \]

Now we recognize that \( u^2 - 2uv + v^2 \) can be factored as a perfect square:

\[ u^2 - 2uv + v^2 = (u - v)^2 \]

So, the original expression \( u(u - v) + v(v - u) \) factors to:

\[ (u - v)^2 \]

Thus, the final factored form is:

\[ \boxed{(u - v)^2} \]