Solving the Equation: (x - 8)² - (x - 4)(x + 4) = 0
This equation involves expanding squares and products of binomials, and then simplifying to find the solution for x. Let's break down the steps:
1. Expand the Squares and Products
- (x - 8)²: This is a perfect square trinomial. We can expand it as (x - 8)(x - 8) = x² - 16x + 64.
- (x - 4)(x + 4): This is the difference of squares pattern. We can expand it as x² - 16.
Now, our equation becomes: x² - 16x + 64 - (x² - 16) = 0
2. Simplify the Equation
- Distribute the negative sign: x² - 16x + 64 - x² + 16 = 0
- Combine like terms: -16x + 80 = 0
3. Solve for x
- Subtract 80 from both sides: -16x = -80
- Divide both sides by -16: x = 5
Solution
Therefore, the solution to the equation (x - 8)² - (x - 4)(x + 4) = 0 is x = 5.