Recognize Difference of Squares: Step Title: Recognize the Difference of SquaresConcise Step Description: Identify that the expression is a difference of two squares.Step Calculation: Recognize that x6y4 is a square (x3y2)^2 and 1 is also a square (1^2).Step Output: The expression can be written as (x3y2)^2 - 1^2.
Apply Squares Formula: Step Title: Apply the Difference of Squares FormulaConcise Step Description: Use the formula a2−b2=(a+b)(a−b) to factor the expression.Step Calculation: Apply the formula with a=x3y2 and b=1.Step Output: The factored form is (x3y2+1)(x3y2−1).
Factor Further if Possible: Step Title: Factor Further if PossibleConcise Step Description: Check if the resulting terms can be factored further.Step Calculation: The term x3y2+1 cannot be factored further as it is not a difference of squares. The term x3y2−1 is a difference of squares and can be factored further.Step Output: We need to factor x3y2−1 further.
Factor Second Difference of Squares: Step Title: Factor the Second Difference of SquaresConcise Step Description: Factor x3y2−1 using the difference of squares formula again.Step Calculation: Recognize that x3y2 is a square (xy)^6 and 1 is a square (1^2). Apply the formula with a=xy and b=1.Step Output: The factored form is (xy+1)(xy−1).