Recall the formula for factoring the difference of two squares: a2 - b2 = (a + b) (a - b) Use the formula to factor n8 - 9. What is the value of a? n n8 n4

(n^4 + 3) (n^2 - 3).

a = n^4.

Step-by-step explanation:

Comparing the 2 expressions:

a^2 = n^8 and b^2 = 9 so, taking square roots:

a = n^4 and b = 3

n^8 - b^2 = (n^4 + 3) (n^4 - 3).

To answer your question: Rewrite 81x2 as (9x) 2. (9x) 2-49Rewrite 49 as 72. (9x) 2-72 Both terms are perfect squares, factor using the difference of squares formula, a2-b2 = (a+b) (a-b) where a=9x and b=7. (9x+7) (9x-7)