SOLUTION: Factor completely. 36b^2 - 121

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Question 132999: Factor completely.
36b^2 - 121

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
36b%5E2-121 Start with the given expression

%286b%29%5E2-121 Rewrite 36b%5E2 as %286b%29%5E2

%286b%29%5E2-%2811%29%5E2 Rewrite 121 as %2811%29%5E2


Now use the difference of squares. Remember, the difference of squares formula is A%5E2-B%5E2=%28A%2BB%29%28A-B%29 where in this case A=6b and B=11

36b%5E2-121=%286b%2B11%29%286b-11%29 Plug in A=6b and B=11



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Answer:


So the expression

36b%5E2-121

factors to

%286b%2B11%29%286b-11%29

Notice that if you foil the factored expression, you get the original expression. This verifies our answer.