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Mathematics 17 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

Factor: 25a^2-36b^2

OpenStudy (inkyvoyd):

remember (x-y)(x+y)=x^2-y^2. Apply that pattern to this case and I'll check your work.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

For the coefficients (numbers) try to find a number that you can square that is equal to it: Eg. 25 = 5^2 25a^2, written as a square is: (5a)^2. 36b^2, written as a square is? Then factor using the difference of 2 squares: (x^2-y^2) = (x-y)(x+y). Note in your question x = 5a. Hope this is helpful.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

This is a difference of squares (5a)^2 - (6b)^2

OpenStudy (anonymous):

so it would be 5a^2-6b^2=(5a-6b)(5a+6b)?

OpenStudy (inkyvoyd):

Yes.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

so then how do you completely factor that?

OpenStudy (inkyvoyd):

That is completely factored.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

oh! i see..

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