SOLUTION: Please help me factor this: 1-a^2-2ab-b^2

Algebra ->  Exponents -> SOLUTION: Please help me factor this: 1-a^2-2ab-b^2      Log On


   

Question 690122: Please help me factor this: 1-a^2-2ab-b^2
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20056) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
1 - a²-2ab-b^2

Factor -1 out of the last three terms:

1 - (a²+2ab+b²)

Factor the parentheses:

1 - (a+b)(a+b)

1 - (a+b)²

1² - (a+b)²

That's the difference of squares:

[1 - (a+b)][1 + (z+b)]

[1 - a - b][1 + a + b]

(1 - a - b)(1 + a + b)

Edwin