Algebra

Given that a^2-b^2=704 and a+b=44, find the value of a-b.    

Write down the first eq                   a² – b²  =  704    

Factor it to                             (a + b)(a – b)  =  704     (eq 1)    

Write down the other eq        (a + b)            =    44     (eq 2)    

See where this is going?    

Divide the left   part of eq 2 into the   left part of eq 1    

Divide the right part of eq 2 into the right part of eq 2    

This gives us (a – b) on the left and 16 on the right    

They're equal, so a – b = 16    

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