Factor a^2-9

Problem

a^2−9

Solution

1. Identify the expression as a difference of two squares, which follows the pattern x^2−y^2

2. Rewrite the terms as perfect squares to find the values of x and y

a^2−9=a^2−3^2

3. Apply the formula for the difference of squares, which is x^2−y^2=(x−y)*(x+y)

4. Substitute x=a and y=3 into the formula to obtain the factored form.

Final Answer

a^2−9=(a−3)*(a+3)

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