Math 101	Intermediate Algebra
Special Factoring Formulas Chapter 6, Section 3
In the following formulas, a and b may be any number, variable, expression, or any combination of number, variable, and expression. Given an expression to factor: Identify the expression to be in the form of one of the left-hand-sides listed below. Factor the expression by the formula shown in the associated right-hand-side. Difference of Two Squares a2 - b2 = (a + b)(a - b) Perfect Square Trinomials a2 + 2ab + b2 = (a + b)2 a2 - 2ab + b2 = (a - b)2 Sum of Two Cubes a3 + b3 = (a + b)(a2 - ab + b2) Difference of Two Cubes a3 - b3 = (a - b)(a2 + ab + b2)