Question

Recall the formula for factoring the difference of two squares: a2 – b2 = (a + b)(a – b) Use the formula to factor n8 – 9. What is the value of a? n n8 n4

Answer 1

(n^4 + 3)(n^2 - 3).

a = n^4.

Explanation:

Comparing the 2 expressions:

a^2 = n^8 and b^2 = 9 so, taking square roots:

a = n^4 and b = 3

n^8 - b^2 = (n^4 + 3)(n^4 - 3).