Chapter 6: Problem 94
Factor using rational numbers. $$ 5 x+4 y+25 x^{2}-16 y^{2} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The expression factors to \((5x + 4y)(5x - 4y + 1)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify Quadratic Form
The expression given is \(5x + 4y + 25x^2 - 16y^2\). Notice that we have terms like \(25x^2\) and \(-16y^2\) that suggest a quadratic form after rearranging.
02
Rearrange and Recognize Patterns
Rearrange the terms to group them as: \(25x^2 + 5x - 16y^2 + 4y\). This arrangement helps in recognizing it as a quadratic-like expression, where \(25x^2 - 16y^2\) has a semblance to the difference of squares.
03
Factor Each Group
First, factor the quadratic-like terms separately. For \(25x^2 - 16y^2\), recognize it as a difference of squares: \((5x)^2 - (4y)^2\). Factor this as:\[(5x + 4y)(5x - 4y)\]The other terms \(5x + 4y\) already match one part of the factor, simplifying potential combination.
04
Combine Terms
Notice that \(5x + 4y\) appears in both the initially ordered expression and after factoring the difference of squares. We can factor out \(5x + 4y\) from the expression:\[(5x + 4y)(5x - 4y + 1)\]This gives the final factored form.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Expression
A quadratic expression is a specific type of polynomial that includes terms with the variable raised to the power of two, as seen in terms like \(25x^2\). Quadratics are generally in the form \(ax^2 + bx + c\), where \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are constants, and \(x\) is the variable. The importance of recognizing a quadratic expression lies in its predictability and structure, which allows us to apply specific factoring techniques.
- Quadratic expressions often appear as part of larger polynomials.
- Being able to recognize a quadratic form can simplify the process of solving or factoring polynomials.
Difference of Squares
The difference of squares is a specific pattern that appears frequently in algebra. It's a tool used for factoring expressions that can be written in the form \(a^2 - b^2\). Recognizing this pattern allows us to rewrite the expression as \((a + b)(a - b)\).
- The pattern is characterized by two squared terms subtracting each other.
- Commonly identified by terms such as \((5x)^2 - (4y)^2\).
Rearranging Terms
Rearranging terms in an algebraic expression is a valuable strategy, particularly when dealing with complex polynomials. It involves strategically ordering terms to highlight specific patterns or structures. In our example, arranging \(25x^2 + 5x - 16y^2 + 4y\) set the stage for recognizing that part of the expression, \(25x^2 - 16y^2\), is a difference of squares.
- This process does not change the value of the expression but makes it easier to identify useful patterns.
- It often serves as a preparatory step before applying more advanced techniques like factoring.