Question

so if in an equation has 2 unknown values is it still unfactorable?

Answer 1

you can't solve a single equation with more than one variable (unknown), but that has nothing to do with factoring. you may factor an expression with more than one variable

Answer 2

x^2 - y^2 can be factored

Answer 3

for example: X^2+2ax+a^2

Answer 4

yes, that is factorable as (x+a)^2

Answer 5

let me try first and if I can't factor it I'll come back. :D

Answer 6

amistre's example also is factorble into (x-y)(x+y)

Answer 7

but you can't SOLVE 2x+5y=10, for example

Answer 8

ok

can u tell me how did you factor this equation??thanks

Answer 9

amistre's example is a difference of two squares; it factors according to a formula\[a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b)\]you can check this by multiplying the RHS (FOIL) and you will get the LHS.

Answer 10

your example is a perfect square trinomial\[(p+q)^2=p^2+2pq+q^2\]

Answer 11

in your example p=x and q=a

Answer 12

Thank you!!!

Answer 13

np:})