Question

How do you factor this equation x^2-5^2

Answer 1

\(a^2-b^2=(a+b)(a-b)\)
here, a=x
b=5

Answer 2

how did you get to this answer?

Answer 3

thats the general formula that u can use.

Answer 4

no, it would be
(x-5)(x+5)

Answer 5

ohhh i see so thats why ive been getting the answers wrong lol

Answer 6

thank you!

Answer 7

welcome ^_^

Answer 8

wait just to make sure i the equation would end up like this right?

(x+5)(x-5)

Answer 9

exactly.

Answer 10

but how come the answer ends with the signs switched?

Answer 11

because the formulas say so
if you multiply them out,
(x+5)(x-5) = x*x -x*5 +5*x -5*5
5x gets cancelled, and you are left with
x^2-5^2

Answer 12

ahh so for every problem would i have to switch the signs?

Answer 13

only when its difference of squares, like a^2-b^2

Answer 14

ahh alright so if the equation was like 2x-25 you wouldnt switch it you would leave the answer as (x+5)(x-5)

Answer 15

2x-25 is not of the type a^2-b^2

Answer 16

ahh my bad 5^2-6^2 like the squares have to be the same in order for it to be left alone

Answer 17

5^2-6^2 will then be (5+6)(5-6)

Answer 18

thank you very much!! you helped me out big time :P

Answer 19

most welcome ^_^