HCF of -36, -96, and -54 is -6
I see no same variable in all 3 terms
-36a^2-96ab-54b^2
= -6(6a^2 + 16ab + 9b^2)
the trinomial does not factor further over the rationals.
Mentally expand to check the answer.
Factor completely. Remember to look first for a common factor and check by multiplying. if polynomial is prime, state this.
-36a^2-96ab-54b^2
I couldn't find the right answer.
3 answers
Hello Reiny,
I am sorry I have a typo. The problem should be -36a^2-96ab-64b^2.
I am unsure of the steps.
I am sorry I have a typo. The problem should be -36a^2-96ab-64b^2.
I am unsure of the steps.
Again first look for a common factor in the constants which is -4
-36a^2-96ab-64b^2
= -4(9a^2 + 24ab + 16b^2)
the 9a^2 and 16b^2 are both perfect squares, could we perhaps have (3a + 4b)^2 ?
A quick mental expansion shows this is indeed the case, so
-36a^2-96ab-64b^2
= -4(9a^2 + 24ab + 16b^2)
= -4(3a + 4b)^2
-36a^2-96ab-64b^2
= -4(9a^2 + 24ab + 16b^2)
the 9a^2 and 16b^2 are both perfect squares, could we perhaps have (3a + 4b)^2 ?
A quick mental expansion shows this is indeed the case, so
-36a^2-96ab-64b^2
= -4(9a^2 + 24ab + 16b^2)
= -4(3a + 4b)^2
1 answer