Question

i really don't understand the process of how to factor this (3x^2+11)^2-16x^2

Answer 1

\[\diamondsuit^2-\spadesuit^2=(\diamondsuit+\spadesuit)(\diamondsuit -\spadesuit)\]

Answer 2

what do those symbols mean?

Answer 3

\(a^2-b^2 = (a+b)(a-b)\)

In your problem, \(a=3x^2+11\) and \(b = 4x\)

Answer 4

replace \(\diamondsuit\) by \(3x^2+11\) and \(\spadesuit \) by \(4x\)

Answer 5

is just a representation of a variable just like @geerky42 explained same thing :0

Answer 6

Do these explanations help? @torituller97

Answer 7

hmmm

Answer 8

so how do i set that up to solve

Answer 9

The most important part of the entire process is that you use your mind. Think about it, try it out, and figure it out. The only person that can make it make sense to you is you, yourself. @torituller97

Answer 10

One possible way to help yourself understand it is by creating your own simpler problem and solving it. But there are many things you can do to reach understanding.

Answer 11

but i just don't know how to make sense of it @Kainui

Answer 12

\[\color{red}{a}^2-\color{blue}{b}^2 = (\color{red}{a}+\color{blue}{b})(\color{red}{a}-\color{blue}{b})\]
\[(\color{red}{3x^2+11})^2-(\color{blue}{16x^2})^2 = ??\]
Imitate the formula

Answer 13

Here write down this formula, go here and this will help you think about it more: http://tinyurl.com/probsolvin

Answer 14

that link didn't work... but is the formula (a+b)(a^2+ab+b^2)?

Answer 15

That's for sum of cubes.

Answer 16

@Kainui

Answer 17

\(a^3+b^3 =(a+b)(a^2+ab+b^2) \)

Answer 18

what am i trying to find? @geerky42

Answer 19

actually \[a^3+b^3 =(a+b)(a^2\color{red}-ab+b^2)\]

Answer 20

Ya, but it's irrelevant anyway. We just need formula for difference of squares.

Answer 21

can you show me how to set this up because i don't know what a and b are?