Question

How do I factor this?

Answer 1

\[u ^{2}-2u-v ^{2}-2v\]

Answer 2

I got down to u(u-2)-v(v+2)

Answer 3

Does it need to be a perfect square ?

Answer 4

Wolfram is a good place to look for help as well.

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=u2%E2%88%922u%E2%88%92v2%E2%88%922v

Answer 5

Sorry, I still don't get it /:

Answer 6

This is the factor

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=factor+u2%E2%88%922u%E2%88%92v2%E2%88%922v

Answer 7

But I want an explanation, not the answer.

Answer 8

@dpaInc

Answer 9

even with control+, i still can't see... i'm blowing it up...
\[\huge u ^{2}-2u-v ^{2}-2v \]

that the polynomial?

Answer 10

Yup!