How do you factor the expression (a^2-1)b^2-9(a^2-1)?

1 Answer
Jan 11, 2016

Use the difference of squares identity to find:

(a^2-1)b^2-9(a^2-1)=(a-1)(a+1)(b-3)(b+3)

Explanation:

Use the difference of squares identity, which can be written:

A^2-B^2=(A-B)(A+B)

So:

(a^2-1)b^2-9(a^2-1)

=(a^2-1)(b^2-9)

=(a^2-1^2)(b^2-3^2)

=(a-1)(a+1)(b-3)(b+3)