SOLUTION: Could you please help me solve the following problem: Factor completely. Remember to check for common factors first. Some questions will require two types of factoring. (x

Algebra ->  Functions -> SOLUTION: Could you please help me solve the following problem: Factor completely. Remember to check for common factors first. Some questions will require two types of factoring. (x       Log On


   

Question 839488: Could you please help me solve the following problem:
Factor completely. Remember to check for common factors first. Some questions will require two types of factoring.
(x - 3)^2 - 49
Answer by josgarithmetic(39618) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28a%5E2-b%5E2%29=%28a-b%29%28a%2Bb%29, well-known formula for difference of two squares.

Your expression, %28x-3%29%5E2-49 is the difference of two squares.
highlight_green%28%28%28x-3%29-7%29%28%28x-3%29%2B7%29%29 Now factored; and it can also be simplified:

%28x-3-7%29%28x-3%2B7%29
highlight%28%28x-10%29%28x%2B4%29%29 should also be acceptable, since it is equivalent.