Chapter 6: Problem 193
Factor completely using the difference of squares pattern, if possible. $$ a^{2}+6 a+9-9 b^{2} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\((a + 3 - 3b)(a + 3 + 3b)\)
Step by step solution
01
- Identify Perfect Squares
Rewrite the expression to group potential perfect squares: \[ a^2 + 6a + 9 - 9b^2 \]. Notice that \(a^2\) and \(9b^2\) are perfect squares.
02
- Recognize Quadratic Form
Identify and isolate the quadratic trinomial: \[ a^2 + 6a + 9 \]. Recognize this as a perfect square trinomial because \(a^2\) and \(9\) are perfect squares, and \(6a\) fits the middle term as \(2 \times a \times 3\).
03
- Factor the Perfect Square Trinomial
Factor \(a^2 + 6a + 9\) into \((a + 3)^2\). The expression now looks like: \[ (a + 3)^2 - 9b^2 \].
04
- Apply the Difference of Squares Formula
Use the difference of squares pattern \(x^2 - y^2 = (x - y)(x + y)\) to factor \((a + 3)^2 - (3b)^2\). Let \(x = a + 3\) and \(y = 3b\). The expression becomes: \[ ((a + 3) - 3b)((a + 3) + 3b) \].
05
- Simplify the Factored Form
Simplify the final factored form: \[ ((a + 3) - 3b)((a + 3) + 3b) \]. Therefore, the fully factored expression is: \[ (a + 3 - 3b)(a + 3 + 3b) \].
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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 fundamental concept in polynomial factorization. It involves two terms that are both perfect squares, separated by a subtraction operation.
When you have an expression like \(x^2 - y^2\), it can be factored into \((x - y)(x + y)\).
This is useful for simplifying expressions and solving equations.
In the provided exercise, the expression \((a + 3)^2 - (3b)^2\) is factored using this method.
Recognize the pattern and apply the formula to factor the polynomial effectively.
When you have an expression like \(x^2 - y^2\), it can be factored into \((x - y)(x + y)\).
This is useful for simplifying expressions and solving equations.
In the provided exercise, the expression \((a + 3)^2 - (3b)^2\) is factored using this method.
Recognize the pattern and apply the formula to factor the polynomial effectively.
Perfect Square Trinomial
A perfect square trinomial is an expression that arises from squaring a binomial.
For instance, the expression \(a^2 + 6a + 9\) comes from squaring \(a + 3\).
In the given exercise, this recognition allows us to write \(a^2 + 6a + 9\) as \((a + 3)^2\).
For instance, the expression \(a^2 + 6a + 9\) comes from squaring \(a + 3\).
- The first term \(a^2\) is the square of the first term of the binomial.
- The last term \9\ is the square of the second term of the binomial.
- The middle term \6a\ is twice the product of the two terms of the binomial, here \(2 \times a \times 3\).
In the given exercise, this recognition allows us to write \(a^2 + 6a + 9\) as \((a + 3)^2\).
Quadratic Form
The quadratic form involves expressions that fit the pattern \(ax^2 + bx + c\).
These are second-degree polynomials with specific properties.
To factor them efficiently, look for patterns like the perfect square trinomial.
In the exercise, the expression \(a^2 + 6a + 9\) fits this form.
Identifying such patterns can simplify the factorization process.
This step-by-step approach reveals the structure of the polynomial and leads us to its factors.
These are second-degree polynomials with specific properties.
To factor them efficiently, look for patterns like the perfect square trinomial.
In the exercise, the expression \(a^2 + 6a + 9\) fits this form.
Identifying such patterns can simplify the factorization process.
This step-by-step approach reveals the structure of the polynomial and leads us to its factors.
Polynomial Factorization
Polynomial factorization involves breaking down a polynomial into a product of simpler polynomials.
This makes solving equations and simplifying expressions easier.
Different techniques help achieve this:
First, recognize patterns and rewrite the expression accordingly.
Then apply relevant formulas to achieve the final factored form.
This makes solving equations and simplifying expressions easier.
Different techniques help achieve this:
- Factoring by grouping
- Using special patterns like the difference of squares and perfect square trinomials
- General methods like the quadratic formula
First, recognize patterns and rewrite the expression accordingly.
Then apply relevant formulas to achieve the final factored form.