Chapter 7: Problem 106
Factor each expression. $$ 16 a^{2}-9 b^{2} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The factored expression is \((4a + 3b)(4a - 3b)\)
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Format
The given expression is \(16a^{2} - 9b^{2}\). It is in the form of a difference of squares. This is recognized by the standard form \(a^{2} - b^{2}\).
02
Determine the a and b Values
In this equation, \(16a^{2}\) is the \(a^{2}\) value and \(9b^{2}\) is the \(b^{2}\) value. So, \(a\) is \(4a\) (because \(4a × 4a =16a^{2}\)) and \(b\) is \(3b\) (because \(3b × 3b = 9b^{2}\)).
03
Apply the Difference of Squares Formula
Apply the difference of squares formula \(a^{2} - b^{2} = (a + b)(a - b)\) to this problem by replacing \(a\) with \(4a\) and \(b\) with \(3b\). The factored form of the expression is then \((4a + 3b)(4a - 3b)\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Difference of Squares
The difference of squares is a crucial concept in algebra when it comes to factoring certain expressions. This entails a squared term subtracted from another squared term. Specifically, it takes the form \(a^2 - b^2\), where both \(a^2\) and \(b^2\) are perfect squares and can be expressed as products of the same term by itself.
- Key point: The expression must be a subtraction of two squares.
- Formula: \(a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)\)
- Visualize it: Imagine you have a square plot with side \(a\), and you're subtracting a smaller square with side \(b\).
Algebraic Expressions
An algebraic expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and mathematical operations. In the expression \(16a^2 - 9b^2\), each term is an algebraic term that combines a coefficient (the number part) with a variable (the part involving letters like \(a\) and \(b\)).
- The term \(16a^2\) involves a coefficient of 16 and a variable that is squared: \(a^2\).
- The term \(9b^2\) has a coefficient of 9, with the variable squared: \(b^2\).
Factoring Techniques
Factoring is a method used to express an algebraic expression as a product of its factors. This is a fundamental skill in algebra that simplifies expressions and solves equations. The challenge is to rewrite expressions in a "factored form" where the expression is expressed as a multiplication of simpler expressions.One effective technique is using the difference of squares formula. To apply this method, you need to:
- Identify if the expression is a difference of squares; this form allows you to use the specific formula \(a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)\).
- Recognize perfect square terms and find what squared numbers produced them.
- Apply these values into the formula to rewrite the expression as a product of two binomials.