Advanced MathMediumDifference of squares with leading coefficient
Advanced Math practice question
The expression 4x² − 81 factors as (2x − a)(2x + a) for a positive constant a. What is the value of a?
Answer: 9
4x² − 81 = (2x)² − 9², so a = 9.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 3
- 3² = 9, but the constant must square to 81: a = 9.
- If you answered 81
- 81 is a², not a.
- If you answered 40.5
- a is found from a² = 81, not from halving 81.
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