Question

factor this: a^-16
so far I have (a+8)(a-8)

Answer 1

What is 8 times -8

Answer 2

It should be - 16, not - 64

Answer 3

Think of a number that when you multiply it with its opposite, the result will be - 16

Answer 4

@i<3flyleaf , I love Flyleaf too! Cool!

Answer 5

whoops.... hold on.... here is what i meant...
a^2-16

Answer 6

Ok
a^2 has a square root and so does 16
which are a and 4

The rule would be (a-4)(a+4)

Answer 7

Those are two perfect squares, both the a^2 and the 16. You have the difference of two perfect squares which factors into (x- )(x+ ). What is the square root of 16?