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. a^2

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. a^2      Log On


   

Question 839491: 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.
a^2 + b^2
thank you!
Answer by josgarithmetic(39618) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The SUM of squares? ------ SUM?

highlight_green%28i%2Ai=-1%29.

a%5E2%2Bb%5E2=a%5E2-%28-1%29b%5E2
Right Hand Side Steps:
a%5E2-%28i%2Ai%29b%5E2
a%5E2-i%2Ai%2Ab%2Aba%5E2
a%5E2-bibi
a%5E2-%28bi%29%5E2 ------The difference of two squares.
highlight%28%28a-bi%29%28a%2Bbi%29%29