SOLUTION: Please help me factor this completely: x^2+6x+9-a^2 thanks alot

Algebra ->  Exponential-and-logarithmic-functions -> SOLUTION: Please help me factor this completely: x^2+6x+9-a^2 thanks alot      Log On


   

Question 329935: Please help me factor this completely:
x^2+6x+9-a^2
thanks alot
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First factor x%5E2%2B6x%2B9 to get %28x%2B3%29%5E2 (see this page for steps how to factor x%5E2%2B6x%2B9). So x%5E2%2B6x%2B9-a%5E2=%28x%2B3%29%5E2-a%5E2


Now factor %28x%2B3%29%5E2-a%5E2 by using the difference of squares to get %28x%2B3%2Ba%29%28x%2B3-a%29


So x%5E2%2B6x%2B9-a%5E2 completely factors to %28x%2B3%2Ba%29%28x%2B3-a%29


In other words, x%5E2%2B6x%2B9-a%5E2=%28x%2B3%2Ba%29%28x%2B3-a%29