Solving (a + b + c)(a + b - c)
This expression is a product of two binomials, and we can solve it using the distributive property or by recognizing a pattern.
Using the Distributive Property
The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. We can apply this to our expression:
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Expand the first binomial: (a + b + c)(a + b - c) = a(a + b - c) + b(a + b - c) + c(a + b - c)
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Distribute: = a² + ab - ac + ab + b² - bc + ac + bc - c²
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Combine like terms: = a² + 2ab + b² - c²
Recognizing a Pattern
The expression (a + b + c)(a + b - c) resembles the difference of squares pattern: (x + y)(x - y) = x² - y².
In our case, we can consider (a + b) as 'x' and 'c' as 'y'.
Therefore:
(a + b + c)(a + b - c) = (a + b)² - c²
This can be further expanded as:
= a² + 2ab + b² - c²
Conclusion
Both methods lead to the same answer: a² + 2ab + b² - c².
This expression represents the simplified form of the product (a + b + c)(a + b - c).