Solving the Equation (x+12)(x-12) = 481
This equation involves a product of two binomials, which can be easily expanded using the difference of squares pattern: (a + b)(a - b) = a² - b²
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Expand the equation: (x + 12)(x - 12) = 481 becomes x² - 144 = 481
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Rearrange the equation: x² - 144 - 481 = 0 x² - 625 = 0
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Factor the equation: This is a difference of squares pattern again! (x + 25)(x - 25) = 0
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Solve for x: For the product of two factors to equal zero, at least one of the factors must be zero. Therefore:
- x + 25 = 0 => x = -25
- x - 25 = 0 => x = 25
Therefore, the solutions to the equation (x + 12)(x - 12) = 481 are x = -25 and x = 25.