Factoring: Special Forms (Difference of Squares, Perfect Squares)

Memorize these three patterns — they save enormous time on the SAT: 1. Difference of Squares: [formula] 2. Perfect Square Trinomial (sum): [formula] 3. Perfect Square Trinomial (difference): [formula] How to recognize them: - Difference of squares: two perfect squares separated by a minus sign, NO middle term - Perfect square trinomial: first and last terms are perfect squares, middle term is…

This pattern appears constantly on the SAT. Key: both terms must be perfect squares, connected by subtraction. [formula]

Example: Factor x^2 - 25