Special Factoring Patterns
Besides the difference of two squares, there are three other factoring patterns, that when recognized, can make your factoring of expressions much easier. They are:
a) perfect square trinomials \((ax b)^2 = a^2x^2 \pm 2axb+b^2\)
b) difference of cubes \(a^3-b^3= (a-b)(a^2+ab+b^2)\)
c) sum of cubes \(a^3+b^3 = (a+b)(a^2-ab+b^2)\)
Here are some videos that can help you recognize and use these factoring patterns. Please view each and then return to this page by using the back arrow.
Difference of squares: Difference of squares intro | Khan Academy
Factoring perfect square trinomials: Perfect square factorization intro | Khan Academy
Difference of cubes: Factoring difference of cubes | Khan Academy
Sum of cubes: Factoring sum of cubes | Khan Academy
