Factor x^2 - 9.

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Prepare for the 8th Grade FAST Mathematics Test with our Pre-Algebra quiz. Study with multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Build your confidence and ensure you're ready to excel!

Multiple Choice

Factor x^2 - 9.

Explanation:
This is a difference of squares. When you have x^2 minus 9, you can see it as x^2 minus 3^2. The pattern a^2 minus b^2 factors as (a − b)(a + b). Here, a is x and b is 3, so the factors are (x − 3)(x + 3). If you multiply (x − 3)(x + 3), you get x^2 + 3x − 3x − 9, and the middle terms cancel, leaving x^2 − 9. That’s why this pairing works. The other options don’t give x^2 − 9 when expanded. They introduce different middle terms or constants, so they don’t match the original expression.

This is a difference of squares. When you have x^2 minus 9, you can see it as x^2 minus 3^2. The pattern a^2 minus b^2 factors as (a − b)(a + b). Here, a is x and b is 3, so the factors are (x − 3)(x + 3).

If you multiply (x − 3)(x + 3), you get x^2 + 3x − 3x − 9, and the middle terms cancel, leaving x^2 − 9. That’s why this pairing works.

The other options don’t give x^2 − 9 when expanded. They introduce different middle terms or constants, so they don’t match the original expression.

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