(x+4)2-(x-5)2=9

2 min read Jun 16, 2024
(x+4)2-(x-5)2=9

Solving the Equation: (x+4)² - (x-5)² = 9

This article will guide you through the process of solving the equation (x+4)² - (x-5)² = 9. We will use the difference of squares factorization to simplify the equation and then solve for x.

Understanding the Difference of Squares

The difference of squares factorization states that a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b). We can apply this to our equation:

  1. Recognize the pattern: Notice that both (x+4)² and (x-5)² are perfect squares.

  2. Apply the formula: Using the difference of squares factorization, we can rewrite the equation as:

    (x+4 + x-5)(x+4 - (x-5)) = 9

  3. Simplify: Combining like terms, we get:

    (2x - 1)(9) = 9

Solving for x

  1. Divide both sides by 9:

    2x - 1 = 1

  2. Add 1 to both sides:

    2x = 2

  3. Divide both sides by 2:

    x = 1

Solution

Therefore, the solution to the equation (x+4)² - (x-5)² = 9 is x = 1.

Verification

We can verify our answer by substituting x = 1 back into the original equation:

(1 + 4)² - (1 - 5)² = 9 (5)² - (-4)² = 9 25 - 16 = 9 9 = 9

This confirms that x = 1 is indeed the correct solution.

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