How do you factor 16y^2-25?

2 Answers
Zachary
Mar 21, 2018

(4y+5)(4y-5)
You need to consider what multiplies to make 16(either 1*16, 2*8,or 4*4), and what multiplies to make 25( 5*5). Also notice that this is a binomial, not a trinomial.

Explanation:

The only factor of 25 is 5*5=5^2, so the factorization must be of the form (a+5)(b-5), as a negative times a positive is negative. Now consider that there is no middle term, so it must have been canceled out. This implies that the coefficients of y are the same. This leaves only (4y+5)(4y-5).

David Drayer
Mar 21, 2018

As the difference between two squares.

Explanation:

16y^2 - 25 = ( 4y -5) xx ( 4y +5)

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