|
Question 212900: factor binomial completely
256x^2-25y^2
Answer by rapaljer(4671)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! The problem here is probably the number 256. It's a BIG number, but it turns out to be a PERFECT SQUARE! 256 = 16^2
So this is the difference of two squares, which factors
(16x_____)(16x_____)
Now the last times Last has to come out to 25y^2, which would be 5y*5y, with opposite signs to make the -25y^2:
(16x-5y)(16x+5y)
If you need an informal explanation of Factoring, together with examples, exercises and answers, please see my own website. Do a "Bing" search for my last name "Rapalje" and look for "Rapalje Homepage" near the top of the search list. Click on the link "Basic, Intermediate and College Algebra: One Step at a Time" near the top of my Homepage. Select "Basic Algebra", and look in "Chapter 2" for the Sections on "Factoring". Also, check out my "MATH IN LIVING COLOR" pages on this topic to see solutions to a lot of these problems, IN COLOR of course!
In addition, I have a video from one of my classes from a few years ago that you can see free on the website. Look on my Homepage for the link "Rapalje Videos" and select "Basic Algebra". Look for the video on "Factoring".
R^2
Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole Community College
Altamonte Springs Campus
Florida
|
|
|
| |
