SOLUTION: show that x-a is a factor of x^n - a^n for any positive integer n could you please show step by step I would really appreciate any help! please help soon.

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: show that x-a is a factor of x^n - a^n for any positive integer n could you please show step by step I would really appreciate any help! please help soon.      Log On


   

Question 171939: show that x-a is a factor of x^n - a^n for any positive integer n
could you please show step by step
I would really appreciate any help!
please help soon.
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
show that x-a is a factor of x^n - a^n for any positive integer n
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[x^n - a^n]/[x-a] = x^(n-1) + (nC1)ax^(n-2) + (nC2)a^2x^(n-3) + ...+(nCn)a^n
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Cheers,
Stan H.