16Hit1600
Advanced MathVery hardProduct from the squares of a sum and a difference

Advanced Math practice question

If (a + b)² = 49 and (a − b)² = 9, what is the value of ab?

Answer: 10

(a + b)² − (a − b)² = 4ab, so 4ab = 40 and ab = 10.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 20
20 halves 40 instead of quartering it.
If you answered 29
29 is a² + b², half the sum of the two squares.
If you answered 40
40 is 4ab.

More Advanced Math questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.