Question

Factor the following binomial.
y^2-25
I got (y-5)(y+5) is this right

Answer 1

Using difference of squares:
a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)
y^2 - 25 = y^2 - 5^2 = (y - 5)(y + 5) is correct.

If you wanted to check, you could multiply back through by FOIL. :)

Answer 2

in my book the answer is (y+5)(y-5)

Answer 3

Multiplication is commutative...meaning a * b = b * a...so your answer and the book's answer are the same.

Answer 4

oh ok thanks @mtbender74