The discussion revolves around the factoring of the expression (5a^2 - 11a + 10)^2 - (4a^2 - 15a + 6)^2. Participants explore whether it is necessary to square both trinomials as a first step in the factoring process.
Participants appear to agree on the use of the difference of squares method, but there is no explicit consensus on whether squaring both trinomials is necessary as a first step.
Some assumptions about the familiarity with factoring techniques and the definitions of the terms involved may not be explicitly stated. The discussion does not resolve whether the initial squaring step is required.
RTCNTC said:Let x = (5a^2 - 11a + 10)
Let y = (4a^2 - 15a + 6)
x^2 - y^2
(x - y)(x + y)
Back-substitute next, correct?