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How do you factor completely: #16x^2 – 9#?

Answer 1

Kennedy Adams

#16x^2-9=(4x+3)(4x-3)#

#16x^2-9#

This is an example of the difference of squares, in which #a^2-b^2=(a+b)(a-b)#.

#a=4x,# #b=3#

#16x^2-9=(4x+3)(4x-3)#

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Answer 2

Julia Adams

To factor completely the expression 16x^2 - 9, you can use the difference of squares formula, which states that a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b). Apply this formula to the given expression:

16x^2 - 9 = (4x)^2 - 3^2

Now, you can see that it fits the difference of squares pattern:

= (4x + 3)(4x - 3)

So, 16x^2 - 9 factors completely to (4x + 3)(4x - 3).

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.