Chapter 5: Problem 27
Factor each difference of two squares. See Example 2. $$ 36 x^{4} y^{2}-49 z^{6} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\((6x^2y - 7z^3)(6x^2y + 7z^3)\)
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Difference of Squares Formula
The difference of squares formula is \(a^2 - b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)\). Our given equation is \(36x^4y^2 - 49z^6\). Recognize that each term is a perfect square.
02
Express Each Term as a Square
Rewrite \(36x^4y^2\) as \((6x^2y)^2\) and \(49z^6\) as \((7z^3)^2\). This will help us apply the difference of squares formula.
03
Apply the Difference of Squares Formula
Use the formula \((a-b)(a+b)\). Substitute \(a = 6x^2y\) and \(b = 7z^3\) into the formula. This gives us \((6x^2y - 7z^3)(6x^2y + 7z^3)\) as the factored form.
04
Write the Final Answer
The fully factored form of the expression \(36x^4y^2 - 49z^6\) is \((6x^2y - 7z^3)(6x^2y + 7z^3)\).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Factoring Polynomials
Factoring polynomials involves breaking down a complex expression into simpler factors or terms that can be multiplied together to form the original expression. In the context of the difference of squares, this involves a formula that can help simplify expressions quickly. The difference of squares formula is \(a^2 - b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)\). Breaking down each element of the polynomial to fit this structure is the key to simplifying it.
To factor a polynomial:
To factor a polynomial:
- Identify terms that are perfect squares.
- Express each term as a square.
- Apply the difference of squares formula.
Perfect Squares
A perfect square is an expression that results from multiplying a number or a variable by itself. Commonly in algebra, perfect squares appear in the form of \(n^2\), where \(n\) is any term. Recognizing perfect squares in an expression allows for the application of special factoring techniques.
For instance, in the expression \(36x^4y^2\), the term can be rewritten as \((6x^2y)^2\), and similarly, \(49z^6\) can be rewritten as \((7z^3)^2\). This simplifies recognizing these as perfect squares:
For instance, in the expression \(36x^4y^2\), the term can be rewritten as \((6x^2y)^2\), and similarly, \(49z^6\) can be rewritten as \((7z^3)^2\). This simplifies recognizing these as perfect squares:
- The coefficient \(36\) is a perfect square because it equals \(6^2\).
- Similarly, \(49\) is \(7^2\).
- The powers of the variables are also even, making them perfect squares such as \(x^4 = (x^2)^2\) and \(z^6 = (z^3)^2\).
Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions are combinations of numbers, variables, and operations (like addition or subtraction) that represent a particular value or set of values. Polynomials like \(36x^4y^2 - 49z^6\) are a type of algebraic expression that can be particularly complex due to the powers of variables involved.
Understanding each component within an algebraic expression helps in breaking it down:
Understanding each component within an algebraic expression helps in breaking it down:
- Recognize the constants (numbers without variables) and coefficients (numbers paired with variables).
- Identify like terms, which are terms that share the same variable raised to the same power.
- Understand the operations connecting these terms, such as subtraction in the case of a difference of squares.