Question 1040173
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Factor completely and show a detailed solution

x^2a + 2x^a y^b + y^2b - 1
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<pre>
{{{x^2a + 2x^a*y^b + y^2b - 1}}} = {{{(x^a + y^b)^2 - 1}}} = {{{(x^a + y^b - 1)*(x^a + y^b + 1)}}}.


Completed.
</pre>

You need to know two facts (two identities):

1) {{{x^2 + 2xy + y^2}}} = {{{(x+y)^2}}},   and

2) {{{x^2 - 1}}} = {{{(x+1)*(x-1)}}}.


Do you know it? If not (or if you are not sure) look into this lesson


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/Polynomials-and-rational-expressions/Review-of-shortcut-quadratic-multiplication-formulas.lesson>OVERVIEW of shortcut quadratic multiplication formulas</A> 


and associated with it.