How do you factor the expression (a^2-1)b^2-9(a^2-1)?
1 Answer
Jan 11, 2016
Use the difference of squares identity to find:
(a^2-1)b^2-9(a^2-1)=(a-1)(a+1)(b-3)(b+3)
Explanation:
Use the difference of squares identity, which can be written:
A^2-B^2=(A-B)(A+B)
So:
(a^2-1)b^2-9(a^2-1)
=(a^2-1)(b^2-9)
=(a^2-1^2)(b^2-3^2)
=(a-1)(a+1)(b-3)(b+3)