How do I factor this equation? 5x^(2) - 125y^(2)

Question

How do I factor this equation?


`5x^(2) - 125y^(2)`

Answer 1

5(x - 5y)(x + 5y)

Explanation:

Note that 5 is common to both terms. Thus,

5x² - 125y² = 5(x² - 25y²).

Also note that x² - 25y² is the difference of two squares and has factors (x - 5y) and (x + 5y).

In fully factored form, 5(x² - 25y²) is:

5(x - 5y)(x + 5y)