Identify the expression: Identify the expression 25−x2 as a difference of squares.The expression can be written as a2−b2, where a2=25 and b2=x2.
Find the square roots: Find the square roots of a2 and b2.The square root of 25 is 5, so a=5.The square root of x2 is x, so b=x.
Apply the difference of squares formula: Apply the difference of squares formula.The formula for the difference of squares is a2−b2=(a−b)(a+b).Substitute a=5 and b=x into the formula to get (5−x)(5+x).
Write the final factored form: Write the final factored form.The factored form of 25−x2 is (5−x)(5+x).
More problems from Factor quadratics: special cases