Question

how do i factor a^2-b^2-4b-4?

Answer 1

I don't think it's factorable...

Answer 2

\[a^2-b^2-4b-4\]

Answer 3

Oh...I got stuck at (a+b)(a-b)-4(b+1).
Thanks! For some reason, if you insert the equation into http://www.wolframalpha.com/widgets/view.jsp?id=e7040eab64a24724666a4991fb077bd2, it can be factorable

Answer 4

^^wolfram factoring calculator http://www.wolframalpha.com/widgets/view.jsp?id=e7040eab64a24724666a4991fb077bd2

Answer 5

a^2 - b^2 -4b - 4 =

a^2 - ( b^2 +4b + 4)

Answer 6

This expression is the difference of the perfect square a^2 and the perfect square trinomial ( b^2 +4b + 4)

Answer 7

Yes, that was what the answer was suppose to be. I always end up grouping the wrong polynomials. Thanks.

Answer 8

a^2 - ( b^2 + 4b + 4) =
a^2 - [(b + 2)*(b+2)] =
a^2 - ( b + 2)^2 =

Answer 9

a^2 - ( b + 2)^2 = ? @one234

(I grouped the wrong ones together on my first try, too. :) )

Answer 10

(a+b+2)(a-b+2)

Answer 11

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

[ a + (b + 2 ) ] * [ a - ( b + 2 ) ]

Answer 12

I think you have a sign error in distributing the negative here:

[ a - ( b + 2 ) ]

Answer 13

- ( b + 2 )

The negative applies to both the b and the 2.

So, what would be the correct answer? @one2345

(Or, did I mess up?)

Answer 14

(a-b-2) I didn't realize it was necessary to use the parentheses. :P

Answer 15

[ a + (b + 2 ) ] * [ a - ( b + 2 ) ] =

(a + b + 2) * (a - b - 2)

Answer 16

Thank you again.

Answer 17

would you mind showing me how to do one more factoring problem?

Answer 18

Glad to help.

Try the problem I attached. Post what you get, okay?