Question: Factor. c^2 - 36 c^2 - 36 = (Factor completely.)

Solution

To factor the expression \( c^2 - 36 \), we recognize it as a difference of squares. The difference of squares formula is: \[ a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b) \] In this case, \( a = c \) and \( b = 6 \) since \( 6^2 = 36 \). Substitute these values into the formula: \[ c^2 - 36 = (c - 6)(c + 6) \] So the complete factorization is: \[ (c - 6)(c + 6) \]