Sol'n: A^2 - B^2 + 1: Find Value

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the value of the expression A^2 - B^2 + 1, where A and B are defined in terms of powers of 9. Participants explore different methods of simplification and calculation, focusing on algebraic identities and factorization techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests directly squaring A and B to find A^2 - B^2 + 1.
  • Another participant introduces the identity A^2 - B^2 = (A + B)(A - B) as a simplification method.
  • Some participants express confusion about the problem and the simplifications presented.
  • Multiple participants redefine A and B using p = 9^9999 and q = 9^-9999, leading to different algebraic manipulations.
  • One participant argues that their solution is simpler, while another believes both methods are equally valid but differ in complexity.
  • There is a suggestion that the solution requires a detailed explanation for educational purposes.
  • Participants agree on the final result of 5, but the methods to reach that conclusion differ.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

While participants arrive at the same numerical result (5), there is no consensus on the preferred method of simplification, with differing opinions on the complexity and pedagogical value of each approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the clarity of the problem and the steps involved in the calculations. There are also indications of differing interpretations of the original question.

woodworker101
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If A=9^9999 + 9^-9999 and B= 9^9999 - 9^-9999.
Then find the value of A^2 -B^2 + 1.


would i just take the the numbers and square them to get the value. What should i do.
 
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[tex]A^2 - B^2 = ( A+B )( A-B )[/tex]

for any [itex]A, B[/itex]
That should simplify it a great deal
 
so would the values be 0 or 18. this question is confusing to me even when you did simplify it for me
 
Put p = 9^9999 and q= 9^-9999

Then A = p+q and B = p-q

You want:

[tex]A^2 + B^2 - 1 = (p+q)^2 + (p-q)^2 - 1 = (p^2 + q^2 + 2pq) + (p^2 +q^2 - 2pq) - 1[/tex]
[tex]= 2p^2 + 2q^2 - 1 = 2(9^{9999}) + 2(9^{-9999}) - 1[/tex]
 
James R said:
Put p = 9^9999 and q= 9^-9999

Then A = p+q and B = p-q

You want:

[tex]A^2 + B^2 - 1 = (p+q)^2 + (p-q)^2 - 1 = (p^2 + q^2 + 2pq) + (p^2 +q^2 - 2pq) - 1[/tex]
[tex]= 2p^2 + 2q^2 - 1 = 2(9^{9999}) + 2(9^{-9999}) - 1[/tex]

Unnecessarily complicated, and I'm afraid you read the question wrongly.

[tex]A = 9^{9999} + 9^{-9999}[/tex] and [tex]B = 9^{9999} - 9^{-9999}[/tex]

[tex]A + B = (2)(9^{9999})[/tex] and [tex]A - B = (2)(9^{-9999})[/tex]

[tex]A^2 - B^2 + 1 = (A + B)(A - B) + 1 = (4)(9^{9999})(9^{-9999}) + 1 = 4 + 1 = 5[/tex]
 
Curious3141 said:
Unnecessarily complicated, and I'm afraid you read the question wrongly.

I would argue that my solution is no more complicated than yours. You are, however, correct that I copied the question wrongly. My correct solution is:

[tex]A^2 - B^2 + 1 = (p+q)^2 - (p-q)^2 + 1 = (p^2 + q^2 + 2pq) - (p^2 +q^2 - 2pq) + 1[/tex]
[tex]=4pq + 1 = 4(9^{9999})(9^{-9999}) + 1 = 4 + 1 = 5[/tex]

So, we agree.
 
they both seem right to me just that the letters are changed and makes it a little organized and not messy. So the right answer is 4+1 = 5.
Thanks for the help.
 
I was wondering if you an explantation for what you did since my teachers requires how we got it instead of just stating a thoure (how ever you spell it) about how we got it. it is kind of stuiped but makes perfect sense to him.
 
James R said:
I would argue that my solution is no more complicated than yours. You are, however, correct that I copied the question wrongly. My correct solution is:

[tex]A^2 - B^2 + 1 = (p+q)^2 - (p-q)^2 + 1 = (p^2 + q^2 + 2pq) - (p^2 +q^2 - 2pq) + 1[/tex]
[tex]=4pq + 1 = 4(9^{9999})(9^{-9999}) + 1 = 4 + 1 = 5[/tex]

So, we agree.

I feel it's needlessly complicated to expand out the square terms, you can factorise immediately without doing that. With your notation, it would simply be :

[tex](p + q)^2 - (p - q)^2 + 1 = (p + q + p - q)(p + q - p + q) + 1 = (2p)(2q) + 1 = 4pq + 1[/tex]

and I personally think that is simpler, IMHO. But let's not split hairs.
 
  • #10
It's two ways to get to the same destination. I agree your method is perhaps neater, but requires more insight at the start, and so is perhaps not as direct as mine. We could argue over pedagogic value, too, but I'm happy to leave it here.

Gee, I have a big ego! :)
 

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