Recognize Difference of Squares: Step Title: Recognize the Difference of SquaresConcise Step Description: Identify that the expression is a difference of squares, which can be factored into the product of a sum and difference.Step Calculation: Recognize that 36y4 is a perfect square, as is 1. The expression can be written as (6y2)2−12.Step Output: Expression as a difference of squares: (6y2)2−12
Apply Squares Formula: Step Title: Apply the Difference of Squares FormulaConcise Step Description: Use the difference of squares formula, which states that a2−b2=(a+b)(a−b), to factor the expression.Step Calculation: Apply the formula with a=6y2 and b=1 to get (6y2+1)(6y2−1).Step Output: Factored form using the difference of squares: (6y2+1)(6y2−1)
Factor Further if Possible: Step Title: Factor Further if PossibleConcise Step Description: Check if the resulting terms can be factored further.Step Calculation: Notice that 6y2−1 is also a difference of squares, as it can be written as (23y)2−12.Step Output: Recognition of further difference of squares: 6y2−1=(23y)2−12
Factor Remaining Squares: Step Title: Factor the Remaining Difference of SquaresConcise Step Description: Apply the difference of squares formula to the term 6y2−1.Step Calculation: Factor 6y2−1 using the formula with a=23y and b=1 to get (23y+1)(23y−1).Step Output: Fully factored form: (6y2+1)(23y+1)(23y−1)