Why is (n-1)(n+1)=n^2-1?
Last Updated: 22.06.2025 00:48
xx
If you cut off the end of that rectangle, you make it smaller, 2 * 3 and a separate nub of size 1 * 2
n^2 - n + n - 1
xxx x
xxx x
Move the nub up to the top:
xxxx
xxx
And you are left with almost a square. One less than the square of side n.
n^2 - 1
(n - 1)(n + 1)
The basic answer is that you cross-multiply the values in each factor:
Federal judge clears way for NYC broker fee ban to begin - Gothamist
The more direct answer is to look at a rectangle with sides of n + 1 and n - 1, let’s go with n = 2
So, that’s a rectangle with sides 2 and 4.
xxx
xxxx