Chapter 0: Problem 80
Factor by any method. $$q^{2}+6 q+9-p^{2}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The expression factors to \((q+3-p)(q+3+p)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Expression Structure
The given expression is \(q^{2} + 6q + 9 - p^{2}\). This is a polynomial expression with four terms, where the first three terms \(q^{2} + 6q + 9\) form a perfect square trinomial.
02
Recognize Perfect Square Trinomial
Notice that \(q^{2} + 6q + 9\) is a perfect square trinomial. It can be expressed as \((q+3)^2\) because \((q+3)(q+3) = q^2 + 6q + 9\).
03
Rewrite the Expression
Rewrite the given expression \(q^{2} + 6q + 9 - p^{2}\) using the perfect square trinomial, so it becomes \((q+3)^2 - p^2\).
04
Identify the Difference of Squares
The expression \((q+3)^2 - p^2\) is a difference of squares. This can be factored using the identity \(a^2 - b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)\).
05
Apply the Difference of Squares Formula
Apply the formula with \(a = (q+3)\) and \(b = p\), we get \((q+3)^2 - p^2 = ((q+3) - p)((q+3) + p)\).
06
Simplify the Expression
Simplify the factored expression to \((q+3-p)(q+3+p)\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Perfect Square Trinomial
A perfect square trinomial is a special type of polynomial that is formed by squaring a binomial. This means that the trinomial can be written in the form
In our original expression, we observe
- \(a^2 + 2ab + b^2 = (a+b)^2\)
In our original expression, we observe
- \(q^2 + 6q + 9\)
- \(q^2\) is the square of the first term
- \(9\) is the square of the last term
- \(6q\) is twice the product of the square roots of the first and last terms
- \((q+3)^2\)
Difference of Squares
The difference of squares is another useful pattern in polynomial expressions. It is defined by the identity:
In the expression
- \(a^2 - b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)\)
In the expression
- \((q+3)^2 - p^2\)
- \((q+3)^2\)
- \(p^2\)
- \((q+3-p)(q+3+p)\)
Polynomial Factoring Techniques
Factoring is an essential algebraic skill that involves expressing a polynomial as a product of its simpler components. There are several techniques used in the factoring process, each applicable under different circumstances.
Key techniques include:
Key techniques include:
- Perfect Square Trinomials: When only one term can be concluded as a square of another term after expanding it. Example: \((a+b)^2\)
- Difference of Squares: As discussed, this is applicable when you encounter an expression of the form \(a^2 - b^2\).
- Greatest Common Factor (GCF): First, it’s crucial to check for any common factors that can be factored out from all the terms in the polynomial.
- Grouping: Useful when a polynomial has four terms. A common technique is to group terms in pairs, factor the GCF from each pair, and look for a common binomial factor.