8. Differences of Squares
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The formula to factor the difference of two squares is a^2-b^2=(a+b)(a-b).
(h^2+16)(h+4)(h-4)
Look closely at the expression h^4-256. It can be expressed as the difference of two perfect squares.
Recall the formula to factor a difference of squares.
Now, we can apply the above formula to factor our expression completely. (h^2+16)( h^2- 4^2) ⇕ (h^2+16)( h+ 4)( h- 4)
Distribute (h+4)
Subtract term
Distribute (h^2+16)
Subtract term
After applying the Distributive Property and simplifying, the result is the same as the given expression. Therefore, we can be sure our solution is correct!