Recognize Difference of Squares: Step Title: Recognize the Difference of SquaresConcise Step Description: Identify that the expression is a difference of squares, which is a special factoring case.Step Calculation: Recognize that x2 is a square and 1 is also a square (12).Step Output: The expression x2−1 can be written as x2−12.
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).Step Calculation: Apply the formula to x2−12 to get (x+1)(x−1).Step Output: Factored form is (x+1)(x−1).