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College Algebra / Unit 2   Alg 073 short lesson, about 20 seconds

The Difference of Squares

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The idea

Multiplying conjugate binomials collapses to a difference of squares: (a + b)(a − b) = a² − b², with no middle term.

In practice

(x + 6)(x − 6): the outer and inner products, −6x and 6x, cancel, leaving x² − 36.

Where people slip

The pattern needs opposite signs and matching terms.

Your place on the trail

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