Chapter 5: Problem 32
Find each product. See Example 2. $$ \left(m+\frac{4}{5}\right)\left(m-\frac{4}{5}\right) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The product is \(m^2 - \frac{16}{25}\).
Step by step solution
01
- Recognize the Formula
Identify that the expression \((m + \frac{4}{5})(m - \frac{4}{5})\) fits the pattern of a difference of squares formula: \((a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2\).
02
- Identify Terms
In the formula \((a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2\), recognize that \(a = m\) and \(b = \frac{4}{5}\).
03
- Apply the Difference of Squares Formula
Substitute the identified terms into the difference of squares formula: \(a^2 - b^2 = m^2 - \left(\frac{4}{5}\right)^2\).
04
- Calculate Squares
Calculate the square of each term: \(m^2 = m^2\) and \(\left(\frac{4}{5}\right)^2 = \frac{16}{25}\).
05
- Substitute and Simplify
Substitute back into the expression: \(m^2 - \left(\frac{16}{25}\right) = m^2 - \frac{16}{25}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Polynomials
A polynomial is a type of algebraic expression that involves sums and/or differences between terms, which are made up of variables raised to non-negative integer powers and multiplied by coefficients.
- Each term in a polynomial consists of a coefficient—a numerical factor—and a variable with an exponent.
- Polynomials are often classified by their degree. The degree is determined by the term with the largest sum of exponents on its variables.
- For example, in the expression \(3x^2 + 5x + 7\), \(x^2\) is a term where the degree is 2, 5 is the coefficient of \(x\), and 7 is a constant term.
Exploring Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions are a combination of numbers, variables, and operations that represent a value or set of values. They are the building blocks of algebra and consist of terms, where each term is a product of a number (coefficient) and a variable raised to an exponent.
- Expressions do not always have an "equals" sign; if they do, they turn into equations.
- For instance, \(2x + 3\) is an algebraic expression meaning twice a number \(x\) plus three.
- A difference of squares, like in the problem \((m + \frac{4}{5})(m - \frac{4}{5})\), is a special type of algebraic expression that can be easily factored, using the formula \(a^2 - b^2\).
Factoring Simplified
Factoring is the process of breaking down a complex expression into simpler factors or terms that, when multiplied together, return to the original expression. It’s a fundamental concept in algebra useful for simplifying expressions and solving equations.
- One of the most common patterns is the difference of squares: \((a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2\). It allows quick factorization of expressions like \(m^2 - \frac{16}{25}\).
- In our problem, we used the difference of squares to simplify \((m + \frac{4}{5})(m - \frac{4}{5})\) easily into \(m^2 - \frac{16}{25}\).
- Factoring makes solving algebraic equations easier by reducing each part into its simplest components, revealing roots or solutions.