Example

Solving (k+1)(k−1)=8(k + 1)(k - 1) = 8

Solve (k+1)(k−1)=8(k + 1)(k - 1) = 8 by first expanding the left side and moving the constant to the left to reach standard form.

Multiply the binomials (which form a difference of squares): k2−1=8k^2 - 1 = 8. Subtract 88 from both sides to write the equation in standard form: k2−9=0k^2 - 9 = 0. Factor the resulting difference of squares: (k−3)(k+3)=0(k - 3)(k + 3) = 0. Use the Zero Product Property to set each factor to zero: k−3=0k - 3 = 0 or k+3=0k + 3 = 0. Solve for the variable to find the solutions: k=3k = 3 and k=−3k = -3.

0

1

Updated 2026-06-18

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

OpenStax

Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.6 Factoring - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Algebra

Related
Learn After