SOLUTION: explain why a^2 + b^2 cannot be a factored

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Question 192325: explain why a^2 + b^2 cannot be a factored
Found 2 solutions by Mathtut, solver91311:
Answer by Mathtut(3670) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
there is no common factors in these terms
:
a*a+b*b

Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


I can't do that. Nobody can. That's because, in general, can be factored -- just not over the real numbers. That is to say, real number expressions p and q do not exist such that . However, if you consider the complex numbers of the form where is defined as , then factors quite nicely to .


John