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Re: If (x – y) = and (x + y) = , what is the value of x2 – y2? (
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18 Jul 2018, 07:16
Explanation
The factored form of the Difference of Squares (one of the “special products” you need to memorize for the exam) is comprised of the terms given in this problem:
\(x^2 - y^2 = (x + y)(x - y)\)
Substitute the values \(\sqrt{12}\) and \(\sqrt{3}\) in place of (x – y) and (x + y), respectively:
x^2 - y^2 = \(\sqrt{12} \times \sqrt{3}\)
Combine 12 and 3 under the same root sign and solve:
\(x^2 - y^2 =\sqrt{12} \times \sqrt{3}\)
\(x^2 - y^2 =\sqrt{36}\)
\(x^2 - y^2 = 6\)