How do you factor #2a^2-32#?

3 Answers
Karthik N
Apr 30, 2018

#2a^2 - 32 = 2(a-4)(a+4)#

Explanation:

#2a^2 - 32 = 2(a^2 - 16)# (factoring out 2)
#= 2(a - 4)(a + 4)#

^This is an identity, #a^2 - b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)#

BRIAN M.
Apr 30, 2018

#2(a+4)(a-4)#

Explanation:

To factor #2a^2-32#

Begin by factoring out 2 from each term.

#2(a^2-16)#

#a^2 - 16# is the difference of two squares and can be factored as #a^2-b^2 = (a+b)(a-b)#

#2(a+4)(a-4)#

TK02
Apr 30, 2018

#2(a- 4)(a + 4)#

Explanation:

Factorize the expression #(2a^2 - 32)# first, which will give us
#2(a^2 - 16)#
But #(a^2 - 16)# is a perfect square expression. Therefore it can further be factorized to
#(a^2 - 16)#
=#(a- 16)^2#
=#(a- 4)(a + 4)#
Hence joining all them will sum up to
#:. 2(a- 4)(a + 4)#

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