1. Why do you think the rule is called the difference of two squares?
2. Does it matter whether the product is (a+b) (a-b) or (a-b) (a+b)? Explain .

Below.

Step-by-step explanation:

1.  a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)

a^2 and b^2 are 2 perfect squares and a^2 - b^2 are their difference.

2. The order of multiplication does not matter because in algebra  multiplication is commutative ( meaning any order gives the same result).

for ex: the reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3. it is the opposite.

reciprocal definition:

a mathematical expression or function so related to another that their product is one; the quantity obtained by dividing the number one by a given quantity.