SOLUTION: I was wondering how i could simplify this: {{{(a^2 - 2*a*b + b^2)/(a-b)}}}

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I was wondering how i could simplify this: {{{(a^2 - 2*a*b + b^2)/(a-b)}}}       Log On


   

Question 31020: I was wondering how i could simplify this:
%28a%5E2+-+2%2Aa%2Ab+%2B+b%5E2%29%2F%28a-b%29
Answer by mbarugel(146) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hello!
You should use the following polynomial identity:
%28a-b%29%5E2+=+a%5E2+-+2%2Aa%2Ab+%2B+b%5E2
This means that your equation
%28a%5E2+-+2%2Aa%2Ab+%2B+b%5E2%29%2F%28a-b%29
can be rewritten as:
%28%28a-b%29%5E2%29%2F%28a-b%29=+%28%28a-b%29%28a-b%29%29%2F%28a-b%29
So simplifying the (a-b) leaves us with:
+%28%28a-b%29%28a-b%29%29%2F%28a-b%29+=+a-b
The result is simply a - b

I hope this helps!
Get more answers at Online Math Answers.com!