Question

How do you solve `x^2+2ax = b^2-a^2` by factoring?

Answer 1

`x=-a-b`
or
`x=-a+b`

Explanation:

Given `x^2+2ax = b^2 -a^2`

`rArr` `color(white)("XXXX")`x^2+2ax+a^2 = b^2#

Factoring the left side:
`rArr` `color(white)("XXXX")` `(x+a)^2 = b^2`

Taking the square root:
`rArr` `color(white)("XXXX")` `x+a = +-b`

Subtracting `a` from both sides:
`rArr` `color(white)("XXXX")` `x = -a+-b`