Question
Multiply, \[ (b+4)(b-4) \] Simplify your answer. \( \square \)
Ask by Mitchell Howell. in the United States
Jan 22,2025
Real Tutor Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
\( b^2 - 16 \)
Solution
To multiply and simplify the expression \((b + 4)(b - 4)\), you can use the difference of squares formula:
\[
(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2
\]
Applying this formula to your expression:
\[
(b + 4)(b - 4) = b^2 - 16
\]
**Simplified Answer:**
\[
b^2 - 16
\]
Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team
Like
error msg
Explain
Simplify this solution
Bonus Knowledge
This expression can be recognized as a difference of squares, which follows the formula \( (a+b)(a-b) = a^2 - b^2 \). Here, let \( a = b \) and \( b = 4 \). Thus, we can simplify it as: \[ (b+4)(b-4) = b^2 - 4^2 = b^2 - 16. \] So, the simplified answer is: \[ b^2 - 16. \]