Question

Complete the sentence by selecting the correct phrase. The expression (a2−)2−(b2)2 is an example of: a system of equations, a polynomial of degree 2, a difference of squares, an exponential function?

Answer 1

a difference of squares

Explanation:

Let's write down the expression:

`(a^2)^2 -(b^2)^2`

we can see that this expression is one of the form
`x^2 -y^2` which is the general expression of a difference of squares.

To be more specific and to see why we say this, let's make
`x=a^2` and
`y=b^2`

Now, if we substitute this in the general formula, we get:

`x^2 -y^2 =(a^2)^2 -(b^2)^2`

Thus, this expression is a difference of squares.