Kelly W.

asked • 10/01/14

factor the polynomial....

m^2-6m+9-n^2+14n-49

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Inactive Tutor answered • 10/01/14

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Since there are no cross terms that contain both m & n in them, you can separate this polynomial into the sum or difference of two polynomials and then factor each separately, and the end result is again the sum or difference based on the signs of these 2 factored polynomials. That is:
 
m2-6m+9-n2+14n-49
(m2-6m+9)  -  (n2-14n+49)
(m-3)2  -  (n-7)2
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Inactive Tutor

Great explanation! As clear as the light of day! :)


Although this is fine, I think it can be taken one step further by factoring a difference of perfect squares.


(m+n-10)(m-n+4)
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10/08/14

Inactive Tutor

You're absolutely correct since we have the form a2 - b2 = (a+b)(a-b) left.  Thanks for catching it!
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10/08/14

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