Question

if the sides of the sqaure are represented by a and b what is the area of the remaining glass when the smaller square is cut from the larger square? write answer in factored form


i don't understand because of the variables

Answer 1

It looks like the side of the larger square is a.
The side of the larger square is b.
Area of larger square = a^2
Area of smaller square = b^2

Area of remaining glass is a^2 - b^2

Factor thatbexpression

Answer 2

how do you factor it?

Answer 3

That's the difference of two squares.

(a+ b)(a - b)

Remember?