Thread: Just started doing maths again last week, stuck on factorising problem

Factorise x² + 2x + 1 - y²

After trying this for ages, I looked at the answer and its
(x + 1 - y)(x + 1 + y)
but I still can't get to that point by myself, can anyone help please
Thanks

Hello OllieRowntree

Welcome to Math Help Forum!

Originally Posted by OllieRowntree

Factorise x² + 2x + 1 - y²

After trying this for ages, I looked at the answer and its
(x + 1 - y)(x + 1 + y)
but I still can't get to that point by myself, can anyone help please
Thanks

Two facts that you need to learn:

• 

• 

If you know these, you can use them very easily to solve your problem:



Can you now apply the second of the two facts to finish the job?

Grandad