Difference of Two Squares: A Wordless Geometric Proof
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This GeoGebra example provides a wordless visual proof of the difference of squares identity a² − b² = (a − b)(a + b). It demonstrates how the area difference between a large square and a smaller square can be dissected and reassembled into a rectangle, illustrating area conservation and algebraic factorization through geometry. Core concepts include the difference of squares formula, polygon area, geometric transformation, and area equivalence. The construction uses GeoGebra commands such as Polygon to build shapes, Translate and Rotate to reposition pieces, Midpoint to locate key points, and Segment to draw boundaries, with objects including SqBig, SqSmall, polygon fragments s1 through s8, points A through H and P, area labels area1 and area2, and explanatory text boxes. Suitable for middle school algebra-geometry integration and high school review of algebraic identities, ideal for classroom demonstration and independent inquiry.
GeoGebra Commands & Parameters
Polygon(O, A, 4) → SqBig, s8, s1, s3, s4, B, CPolygon(D, A, 4) → SqSmall, s5, s2, s6, s7, E, FPolygon(B, C, G, E) → RecUp, u1, u2, u4, u3Polygon(F, G, O, D) → RecDown, r14, r12, r11, r13Translate(F, P) → F'Translate(G, P) → G'Translate(O, P) → O'Translate(D, P) → D'Polygon(F', G', O', D') → RecDown1, r22, r23, r24, r21Rotate(F', (((-k) * 90))°, P) → F''Rotate(G', (((-k) * 90))°, P) → G''Rotate(O', (((-k) * 90))°, P) → O''Rotate(D', (((-k) * 90))°, P) → D''Polygon(F'', G'', O'', D'') → RecDown2, r32, r31, r34, r33Midpoint(s4) → IMidpoint(s3) → JMidpoint(s6) → KMidpoint(r33) → LMidpoint(u2) → NMidpoint(r31) → QMidpoint(r34) → RSegment(B, E) → dottedLine
AI Drawing Prompt Reference
Draw a geometric proof diagram: start with a large square and a smaller square sharing a bottom-left corner inside it. The remaining area of the large square is split into two polygons, and the smaller square has extra polygons above and to its right. Translate and rotate the right-side polygon of the small square to combine with the upper polygon of the large square, forming a rectangle, while the leftover pieces form another rectangle. Connect two key points with a dashed line, label the area regions, and add text explaining the difference of squares identity visually.
The prompt above was compiled from the original drawing commands and is for reference only.