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mathdad
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Factor
(5a^2 - 11a + 10)^2 - (4a^2 - 15a + 6)^2
Must I square both trinomials as step 1?
(5a^2 - 11a + 10)^2 - (4a^2 - 15a + 6)^2
Must I square both trinomials as step 1?
RTCNTC said:Let x = (5a^2 - 11a + 10)
Let y = (4a^2 - 15a + 6)
x^2 - y^2
(x - y)(x + y)
Back-substitute next, correct?
Factoring is the process of finding the factors of a number or expression. Factors are numbers that can be multiplied together to get the original number or expression.
Factoring is important in many areas of mathematics and science. It is used to simplify algebraic expressions, solve equations, and find common denominators. Factoring is also used in cryptography, computer science, and physics.
The most common methods of factoring are grouping, difference of squares, perfect square trinomial, and trial and error. Other methods include GCF (greatest common factor) and quadratic formula.
Factoring and expanding are two opposite operations. Factoring breaks down an expression into its factors, while expanding combines factors to get the original expression. For example, factoring x^2 + 2x + 1 would result in (x + 1)^2, while expanding (x + 1)^2 would give x^2 + 2x + 1.
Factoring can be used to solve real-world problems by modeling the problem as an algebraic expression and then factoring it to find the solution. For example, factoring can be used to find the dimensions of a rectangular garden given the area and perimeter, or to calculate the time it takes for an object to fall to the ground given its initial velocity and acceleration.