Why is (n-1)(n+1)=n^2-1?
Last Updated: 21.06.2025 07:21
xxx
The basic answer is that you cross-multiply the values in each factor:
The more direct answer is to look at a rectangle with sides of n + 1 and n - 1, let’s go with n = 2
n^2 - n + n - 1
Move the nub up to the top:
xxxx
Four measles cases confirmed in Navajo County, first in Arizona this year - ABC15 Arizona
xxx x
xxx x
If you cut off the end of that rectangle, you make it smaller, 2 * 3 and a separate nub of size 1 * 2
xx
So, that’s a rectangle with sides 2 and 4.
(n - 1)(n + 1)
xxxx
xxx
n^2 - 1
And you are left with almost a square. One less than the square of side n.