How do you factor #x^2 y^2 - 9x^2 y^4#?

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Answer 1 · 2015-05-22T19:42:09

#x^2y^2-9x^2y^4=x^2y^2(1+3y)(1-3y)#

Problem: Factor #x^2y^2-9x^2y^4# .

Both terms have #x^2y^2# in common. Factor out the GCF #x^2y^2#.

#x^2y^2(1-9y^2)#

#(1-9y^2)# fits the pattern of the difference of squares:

#(a-b)^2=(a+b)(a-b)#.

#a=1#
#b=3y#

#x^2y^2(1-9y^2)=x^2y^2(1+3y)(1-3y)#