Simplifying the Expression (a-5)² - (a-8)²
This article aims to simplify the expression (a-5)² - (a-8)². We will achieve this by applying the difference of squares formula and simplifying the resulting expression.
Difference of Squares Formula
The difference of squares formula states that: a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b)
Applying the Formula
Let's apply the difference of squares formula to our expression:
- (a - 5)² - (a - 8)² = [(a - 5) + (a - 8)][(a - 5) - (a - 8)]
Simplifying the Expression
Now we can simplify the expression by combining like terms within the brackets:
- [(a - 5) + (a - 8)][(a - 5) - (a - 8)] = (2a - 13)(3)
Finally, we can distribute the 3:
- (2a - 13)(3) = 6a - 39
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified expression of (a-5)² - (a-8)² is 6a - 39.