Why is (n-1)(n+1)=n^2-1?
12.06.2025 00:20

The basic answer is that you cross-multiply the values in each factor:
xxx
n^2 - n + n - 1
(n - 1)(n + 1)
xxxx
If you cut off the end of that rectangle, you make it smaller, 2 * 3 and a separate nub of size 1 * 2
This is the safest place to hide when a nuclear bomb strikes - The Brighter Side of News
Move the nub up to the top:
xxx
So, that’s a rectangle with sides 2 and 4.
Astronomers discover most powerful cosmic explosions since the Big Bang - Space
xxx x
xxxx
n^2 - 1
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce spotted at wedding in Knoxville - WBIR
And you are left with almost a square. One less than the square of side n.
The more direct answer is to look at a rectangle with sides of n + 1 and n - 1, let’s go with n = 2
xx
xxx x