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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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