How would you use the difference of two squares identity to multiply two numbers that are equidistant from another number? Enter the number of the correct option.

Question

Option #1: Use the equation x2−a2
, where a is the middle number (midpoint) and x is the distance from the midpoint to either endpoint.

Option #2: Use the equation x2−a2
, where x is the middle number (midpoint) and a is the distance from the midpoint to either endpoint.

Option #3: This operation is not possible without more information.

(1 point)

Answer 1

The correct option is:

Option #1: Use the equation x^2−a^2, where a is the middle number (midpoint) and x is the distance from the midpoint to either endpoint.

This option accurately describes how to apply the difference of squares identity when multiplying two numbers that are equidistant from a midpoint. The numbers can be expressed as (a-x) and (a+x), and applying the difference of squares gives you (a-x)(a+x) = a^2 - x^2.