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Factor the algebraic expression 16a + 36

User Zaratruta
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1 Answer

3 votes

Answer:

4 • (2a + 3b) • (2a - 3b)

Explanation:

Step 1 :

Equation at the end of step 1 :

(16 • (a2)) - (22•32b2)

Step 2 :

Equation at the end of step 2 :

24a2 - (22•32b2)

Step 3 :

Step 4 :

Pulling out like terms :

4.1 Pull out like factors :

16a2 - 36b2 = 4 • (4a2 - 9b2)

Trying to factor as a Difference of Squares :

4.2 Factoring: 4a2 - 9b2

Theory : A difference of two perfect squares, A2 - B2 can be factored into (A+B) • (A-B)

Proof : (A+B) • (A-B) =

A2 - AB + BA - B2 =

A2 - AB + AB - B2 =

A2 - B2

Note : AB = BA is the commutative property of multiplication.

Note : - AB + AB equals zero and is therefore eliminated from the expression.

Check : 4 is the square of 2

Check : 9 is the square of 3

Check : a2 is the square of a1

Check : b2 is the square of b1

Factorization is : (2a + 3b) • (2a - 3b)

Final result :

4 • (2a + 3b) • (2a - 3b)

User Semjon
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