Factoring question

**wingcore** · Mar 27th 2007, 09:19 AM

36q²-17m²=
This was for a take home test and I can't find another problem like it in my text. Also, it's the only problem like this with two different bases. He might have made a mistake, but I'm not sure. If anyone could let me know that would be great. Thanks.

**Jhevon** · Mar 27th 2007, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by wingcore

36q²-17m²=
This was for a take home test and I can't find another problem like it in my text. Also, it's the only problem like this with two different bases. He might have made a mistake, but I'm not sure. If anyone could let me know that would be great. Thanks.

how about thinking about this as the difference of two squares

36q^2 - 17m^2 = 6^2q^2 - (sqrt(17))^2m^2 = (6q)^2 - ((sqrt(17)m)^2 = (6q + sqrt(17)m)(6q - sqrt(17)m)

**wingcore** · Mar 27th 2007, 09:55 AM

Thank you! I believe that is what he's looking for. Thanks again.

**Jhevon** · Mar 27th 2007, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by wingcore

Thank you! I believe that is what he's looking for. Thanks again.

no problemo

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