Recognize Difference of Squares: Determine the approach to factor 16x2−25. We can recognize this expression as a difference of squares because it is in the form a2−b2, where both 16x2 and 25 are perfect squares.
Identify Square Roots: Identify the square roots of each term in the expression.The square root of 16x2 is 4x, since (4x)2=16x2.The square root of 25 is 5, since 52=25.
Apply Formula: Apply the difference of squares formula.The difference of squares formula is a2−b2=(a−b)(a+b).Here, a=4x and b=5, so we have:(4x)2−52=(4x−5)(4x+5).
Write Factored Form: Write the final factored form.The factored form of 16x2−25 is (4x−5)(4x+5).
More problems from Factor quadratics: special cases