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Mathematics 9 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

how do i factor this: 27a^4 - 147

jimthompson5910 (jim_thompson5910):

27a^4 - 147 3(9a^4 - 49) 3(3a^2-7)(3a^2+7)

OpenStudy (anonymous):

so basically you just expand it as much as you can once you have gotten the GCF?

jimthompson5910 (jim_thompson5910):

yes, use the difference of squares formula to factor once you've factored out the GCF

OpenStudy (anonymous):

sorry what is the difference of squares formula? i have a tough time understanding my teacher..

jimthompson5910 (jim_thompson5910):

the difference of squares formula is a^2-b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)

jimthompson5910 (jim_thompson5910):

it's a tool to help factor

OpenStudy (anonymous):

okay thank you so much for the help!!

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