document.write( "Question 134112: Explain why a^2+b^2 cannot be factored. \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #98079 by solver91311(24713) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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In the most general terms, $\"a%5E2%2Bb%5E2\"$ CAN be factored. And the factors are: $\"%28a%2Bbi%29%28a-bi%29\"$ where $\"i\"$ is the imaginary number defined by $\"i%5E2=-1\"$ . On the other hand, $\"a%5E2%2Bb%5E2\"$ cannot be factored over the real numbers because there is no real number $\"x\"$ such that $\"x%5E2=-1\"$ . \n" ); document.write( "

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