16Hit1600
Advanced MathHardProduct of conjugate binomials

Advanced Math practice question

For all values of x, (2x + 5)(2x − 5) = ax² − b, where a and b are positive constants. What is the value of a + b?

Answer: 29

(2x + 5)(2x − 5) = 4x² − 25, so a + b = 29.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 7
7 uses a = 2 and b = 5, forgetting to square.
If you answered 21
21 subtracts 4 from 25.
If you answered -21
−21 subtracts the wrong way and mis-signs.

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