(x-1)^2-(y-3)^2

Question

I have no idea what I'm supposed to do!

Answer 1

Hello, Mathalina --

This is in the form of the difference of two squares.

Factoring for x² - y² is (x + y)(x - y).

In this case, the two terms are (x - 1) and (y - 3)

        Factored terms are:

                 [(x - 1) + (y - 3)] [(x - 1) - (y - 3)]

         We can simplify by removing brackets and  parentheses and combining like terms:

                    (x - 1 + y - 3) (x - 1 - y + 3)

          This simplifies to:

                    (x + y - 4) (x - y + 2)

                 

Answer 2

Are there instructions with the problem?