Chapter 6: Problem 14
Factor each binomial completely. \(-9 t^{2}+1\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The factorization of
\( -9t^2 + 1 \) is
\( -(3t + 1)(3t - 1) \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Difference of Squares
The given expression is \( -9t^2 + 1 \). Notice that this is a difference of squares, where \( a^2 - b^2 = (a+b)(a-b) \). We can rewrite the expression as \( -(9t^2 - 1) \) to clearly see the difference of squares.
02
Express As a Difference of Squares
Rewrite \( 9t^2 - 1 \) as \( (3t)^2 - 1^2 \). This confirms it's a difference of squares, where \( a = 3t \) and \( b = 1 \). This means we can factor the expression using the formula for difference of squares.
03
Apply the Difference of Squares Formula
Use the difference of squares formula: \( a^2 - b^2 = (a+b)(a-b) \). Substitute \( a = 3t \) and \( b = 1 \) into the formula to get: \( (3t + 1)(3t - 1) \). Therefore, the expression \( 9t^2 - 1 \) factors to \((3t + 1)(3t - 1) \).
04
Account for the Negative Sign
Remember to include the negative sign initially moved outside when we re-expressed \( -9t^2 + 1 \) as \( -(9t^2 - 1) \). This results in the final factorization: \( -(3t + 1)(3t - 1) \).
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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 key concept in algebra that simplifies certain types of binomial expressions. It is based on the identity \( a^2 - b^2 = (a+b)(a-b) \). This formula indicates that the expression is a product of two conjugate pairs. In simpler terms, it's the difference (subtraction) between two perfect squares.
- Perfect Square: A number or expression like \( 9t^2 \), which can be expressed as \( (3t)^2 \).
- Difference: The subtraction sign between two squares, as seen in \( -9t^2 + 1 \) requires us to identify the squares separately.
Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions consist of variables, numbers, and operational symbols forming parts or entire equations. In the expression \(-9t^2 + 1\), the factors of algebraic expressions are critical components that influence the equation's behavior. Let’s break down what elements form this expression:
- Terms: The building blocks of the expression, such as \(-9t^2\) and \(+1\).
- Coefficients: Numbers that multiply the variables, for example, \(-9\) in \(-9t^2\).
- Variables: Letters representing unknown values like \(t\) in this expression.
- Constants: Separate numbers in the expression without variables, such as \(+1\).
Polynomial Factorization
Polynomial factorization is a method used to simplify polynomials into products of simpler polynomials. In the exercise, the given polynomial \(-9t^2 + 1\) was factored to \(-(3t + 1)(3t - 1)\). Factoring involves:
- Identifying patterns such as the difference of squares.
- Rewriting the polynomial in a way that showcases factorable elements.
- Applying specific formulas or techniques like the difference of squares formula.