Factoring the Difference of Squares: (2m + 3n)² - (3m + 2n)²
This problem involves the difference of squares, a common pattern in algebra. Here's how to solve it:
Understanding the Pattern
The difference of squares pattern states that:
a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b)
Applying the Pattern
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Identify a and b:
- In our expression, a = (2m + 3n) and b = (3m + 2n)
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Substitute into the pattern:
- (2m + 3n)² - (3m + 2n)² = [(2m + 3n) + (3m + 2n)][(2m + 3n) - (3m + 2n)]
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Simplify:
- [(2m + 3n) + (3m + 2n)][(2m + 3n) - (3m + 2n)] = (5m + 5n)(-m + n)
Final Answer:
Therefore, (2m + 3n)² - (3m + 2n)² = (5m + 5n)(-m + n)
Important Note: You can further factor out a 5 from the first term to get: 5(m + n)(-m + n)