SOLUTION: Factor the Polynomial. x^2+6x+9-a^2 thanks!

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Factor the Polynomial. x^2+6x+9-a^2 thanks!       Log On


   

Question 175676: Factor the Polynomial.
x^2+6x+9-a^2
thanks!
Found 2 solutions by solver91311, Mathtut:
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x%5E2%2B6x%2B9-a%5E2

The trick with this one is to recognize that x%5E2%2B6x%2B9 is a perfect square, namely %28x+%2B+3%29%5E2.

That means that the entire expression is the difference of two squares:

%28x+%2B+3%29%5E2-a%5E2 which can be factored %28%28x+%2B+3%29+%2B+a%29%28%28x+%2B+3%29+-+a%29

Answer by Mathtut(3670) About Me  (Show Source):