Math Problem Statement

Factorise these quadratics: x^2 - 16, x^2 - 36, x^2 - 121, x^2 - 196

Solution

The equations shown are quadratic expressions in the form x2a2x^2 - a^2, where each can be factored using the difference of squares formula:

x2a2=(xa)(x+a)x^2 - a^2 = (x - a)(x + a)

Let's apply this rule to each of the given quadratics:

  1. x216x^2 - 16 16=42x216=(x4)(x+4)16 = 4^2 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x^2 - 16 = (x - 4)(x + 4)

  2. x236x^2 - 36 36=62x236=(x6)(x+6)36 = 6^2 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x^2 - 36 = (x - 6)(x + 6)

  3. x2121x^2 - 121 121=112x2121=(x11)(x+11)121 = 11^2 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x^2 - 121 = (x - 11)(x + 11)

  4. x2196x^2 - 196 196=142x2196=(x14)(x+14)196 = 14^2 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x^2 - 196 = (x - 14)(x + 14)

Final answers:

  1. x216=(x4)(x+4)x^2 - 16 = (x - 4)(x + 4)
  2. x236=(x6)(x+6)x^2 - 36 = (x - 6)(x + 6)
  3. x2121=(x11)(x+11)x^2 - 121 = (x - 11)(x + 11)
  4. x2196=(x14)(x+14)x^2 - 196 = (x - 14)(x + 14)

Let me know if you need further details!


Related Questions:

  1. How can we apply the difference of squares to higher degree polynomials?
  2. What other factoring methods are there for quadratics?
  3. Can the difference of squares formula be used for cubic terms?
  4. What is the general process for factoring expressions involving multiple variables?
  5. How can we identify when a quadratic can be factored using the difference of squares?

Tip: Always check if the quadratic expression can be written as a difference of squares before applying the formula.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Difference of Squares

Formulas

x^2 - a^2 = (x - a)(x + a)

Theorems

Difference of Squares Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10