SPECIAL PRODUCTS
- multiplication, division, factoring of polynomials

The following are examples of expressions written in factored and in product form. Some of the products have special names.

Factored Form	Product	This is called a
(x + y)²	x² +2xy + y²	perfect square trinomial
(x - y)²	x² - 2xy + y²	perfect square trinomial
x3 - y3	(x - y)(x² + xy + y²)	difference of two cubes
x3 + y3	(x + y)(x² - xy + y²)	sum of two cubes
x² - y²	(x - y)(x + y)	difference of two squares
x² + y² *	(x -yi)(x + yi), i = (-1)	sum of two squares

* This expression can't be factored over the reals but can be factored over the complex numbers.

    For vocabulary, see What Do You Call A Hungry Parrot? Lesson, 220.

    For general guidelines and animations on factoring see Written Notes on Factoring or other notes below.

© 2005, Agnes Azzolino www.mathnstuff.com/math/spoken/here/2class/290/c29pg00.htm