Completing the Expression: Find the Missing Numbers in x^2-36=(x-__)(__+x)

Question

Fill in the missing element to obtain a true expression:

x236=(x)(+x) x^2-36=(x-_—)\cdot(_—+x)

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the given expression and recognize the form.
  • Step 2: Apply the difference of squares formula.
  • Step 3: Determine the missing element.
  • Step 4: Verify the solution against the possible choices.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The given expression is x236 x^2 - 36 . This resembles a difference of squares, which is a2b2 a^2 - b^2 .
Step 2: Recognize that x2 x^2 represents a2 a^2 and 36 36 represents b2 b^2 .
Step 3: Find b b such that b2=36 b^2 = 36 . This gives b=6 b = 6 because 62=36 6^2 = 36 .
Step 4: The difference of squares formula states a2b2=(ab)(a+b) a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b) . So we rewrite x236 x^2 - 36 as (x6)(x+6) (x - 6)(x + 6) .

Therefore, the missing element that makes the expression true is 6 6 .

Answer

6