Simplifying (x+2)(x-2)(x+3)(x-3)
This expression represents a multiplication of four binomial factors. To simplify it, we can utilize a pattern called the difference of squares.
Difference of Squares
The difference of squares pattern states:
(a + b)(a - b) = a² - b²
We can apply this pattern to our expression:
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Step 1: Notice that (x + 2)(x - 2) and (x + 3)(x - 3) both follow the difference of squares pattern.
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Step 2: Apply the pattern to each pair:
- (x + 2)(x - 2) = x² - 2² = x² - 4
- (x + 3)(x - 3) = x² - 3² = x² - 9
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Step 3: Now our expression becomes: (x² - 4)(x² - 9)
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Step 4: Again, we can apply the difference of squares pattern to this remaining multiplication:
- (x² - 4)(x² - 9) = (x²)² - 4² = x⁴ - 16
Simplified Expression
Therefore, the simplified form of (x + 2)(x - 2)(x + 3)(x - 3) is x⁴ - 16.