Solving the Equation (x-3)^2 - (x+5)^2 = 0
This equation involves the difference of squares, a pattern that we can use to simplify the equation and solve for x.
Understanding the Difference of Squares
The difference of squares pattern states: a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b)
In our equation, a = (x-3) and b = (x+5).
Applying the Pattern
Let's apply the difference of squares pattern to our equation:
[(x-3) + (x+5)][(x-3) - (x+5)] = 0
Simplifying the expressions inside the brackets:
(2x + 2)(-8) = 0
Solving for x
Now we have a simple equation with one variable. To find the solutions for x, we need to find the values that make the product equal to zero:
- 2x + 2 = 0
- 2x = -2
- x = -1
Therefore, the solution to the equation (x-3)² - (x+5)² = 0 is x = -1.
Checking the Solution
We can verify our solution by substituting x = -1 back into the original equation:
(-1 - 3)² - (-1 + 5)² = 0 (-4)² - (4)² = 0 16 - 16 = 0 0 = 0
This confirms that x = -1 is the correct solution.