Difference of Squares
\[ a^2 - b^2 = (a+b)(a-b) \]
The single most important factoring pattern. Use it to simplify fractions and solve quadratics instantly.
📝 Example: Basic Pattern
\(x^2 - 16\) becomes \((x+4)(x-4)\).
📝 Example: The Advanced Version
Simplify \(\frac{x^2 - 25}{x + 5}\).
\(\frac{(x+5)(x-5)}{x+5} = x - 5\)
Result: x - 5.