if a + b = 2 and a2 - b2 = -4, what is the value of a - b?

Discussion in 'Calculator Requests' started by math_celebrity, Nov 19, 2016.

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  1. math_celebrity

    math_celebrity Administrator Staff Member

    if a+b=2 and a2-b2=-4, what is the value of a-b?

    a^2 - b^2 = -4

    Factor this:
    (a + b)(a - b) = -4

    We know from above, (a +b) = 2, so substitute:
    2(a - b) = -4

    Divide each side by 2
    (a - b) = -2
     

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