Solve (x+3)(x-3)+(x+1)(x-1)=0: Perfect Square Differences

Quadratic Equations with Difference of Squares

Solve the exercise:

(x+3)(x3)+(x+1)(x1)=0 (x+3)(x-3)+(x+1)(x-1)=0

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:11 Let's solve this problem together.
00:15 We'll use some helpful multiplication shortcuts to make things easier.
00:44 First, calculate three squared.
00:49 Next, group the factors for simpler calculation.
00:59 Then, focus on isolating the X variable.
01:15 Now, extract the root to find the correct solution.
01:21 And that's how you solve the problem! Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the exercise:

(x+3)(x3)+(x+1)(x1)=0 (x+3)(x-3)+(x+1)(x-1)=0

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the equation (x+3)(x3)+(x+1)(x1)=0 (x+3)(x-3) + (x+1)(x-1) = 0 , we will employ the difference of squares formula.

Step 1: Simplify (x+3)(x3)(x+3)(x-3) using the difference of squares:
(x+3)(x3)=x232=x29(x+3)(x-3) = x^2 - 3^2 = x^2 - 9.

Step 2: Simplify (x+1)(x1)(x+1)(x-1) using the difference of squares:
(x+1)(x1)=x212=x21(x+1)(x-1) = x^2 - 1^2 = x^2 - 1.

Step 3: Substitute the simplified expressions back into the original equation:
x29+x21=0x^2 - 9 + x^2 - 1 = 0.

Step 4: Combine like terms:
2x210=02x^2 - 10 = 0.

Step 5: Simplify the equation by factoring or isolating x2x^2:
Divide through by 2 to get x25=0x^2 - 5 = 0.

Step 6: Solve for x2x^2:
x2=5x^2 = 5.

Step 7: Solve for xx by taking the square root of both sides:
x=±5x = \pm \sqrt{5}.

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=±5x = \pm \sqrt{5}.

3

Final Answer

±5 ±\sqrt{5}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Formula: Use (a+b)(ab)=a2b2 (a+b)(a-b) = a^2 - b^2 to simplify products
  • Technique: (x+3)(x3)=x29 (x+3)(x-3) = x^2 - 9 and combine like terms
  • Check: Substitute x=5 x = \sqrt{5} : 2(5)10=0 2(5) - 10 = 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Expanding products using FOIL instead of recognizing difference of squares
    Don't expand (x+3)(x3) (x+3)(x-3) as x2+3x3x9 x^2 + 3x - 3x - 9 = extra work and chance for errors! While FOIL works, it's slower and you miss the pattern. Always recognize (a+b)(ab)=a2b2 (a+b)(a-b) = a^2 - b^2 to work faster and avoid arithmetic mistakes.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve:

\( (2+x)(2-x)=0 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What exactly is the difference of squares pattern?

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The difference of squares is (a+b)(ab)=a2b2 (a+b)(a-b) = a^2 - b^2 . When you multiply two binomials where one adds and one subtracts the same terms, the middle terms always cancel out!

Why didn't we get just one answer like most equations?

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When we solved x2=5 x^2 = 5 , we needed both positive and negative square roots. Remember: both (5)2=5 (\sqrt{5})^2 = 5 and (5)2=5 (-\sqrt{5})^2 = 5 !

Can I leave my answer as a decimal instead of ±5 \pm\sqrt{5} ?

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Exact form is better! 52.236... \sqrt{5} \approx 2.236... but decimals are approximations. Keep ±5 \pm\sqrt{5} unless the problem specifically asks for decimals.

How do I know when to use difference of squares?

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Look for the pattern (something+number)(somethingsamenumber) (something + number)(something - same number) . Like (x+3)(x3) (x+3)(x-3) or (2y+5)(2y5) (2y+5)(2y-5) - perfect for this shortcut!

What if I made an error combining like terms?

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Double-check your arithmetic! From x29+x21 x^2 - 9 + x^2 - 1 , combine:

  • x2+x2=2x2 x^2 + x^2 = 2x^2
  • 9+(1)=10 -9 + (-1) = -10
This gives 2x210=0 2x^2 - 10 = 0 .

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