Algebra · real student question

Simplify 8(x^2 - 2y^2) - x(7x + y) + xy and factor the result.

Question

Simplify

8(x22y2)x(7x+y)+xy8\left(x^2-2y^2\right)-x(7x+y)+xy

and factor the result.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Expand the first product.

    8(x22y2)=8x216y28\left(x^2-2y^2\right)=8x^2-16y^2

  2. Expand the second product, keeping the leading minus attached.

    x(7x+y)=7x2xy-x(7x+y)=-7x^2-xy

    Both terms inside get multiplied by x-x; producing 7x2+xy-7x^2+xy here is the usual sign error.

  3. Assemble everything and look for cancellation.

    8x216y27x2xy+xy8x^2-16y^2-7x^2-xy+xy

    The two xyxy terms are exact opposites, so they vanish. That cancellation is clearly the point of the problem — it turns a mixed-term mess into a two-term expression.

  4. Collect the surviving terms.

    8x27x2=x2    x216y28x^2-7x^2=x^2\;\Longrightarrow\; x^2-16y^2

  5. Recognise and apply the difference-of-squares pattern. Since 16y2=(4y)216y^2=(4y)^2,

    x216y2=x2(4y)2=(x4y)(x+4y)x^2-16y^2=x^2-(4y)^2=(x-4y)(x+4y)

    Checking at x=3x=3, y=1y=1: the original is 8(92)3(21+1)+3=5666+3=78(9-2)-3(21+1)+3=56-66+3=-7, and the factored form gives (34)(3+4)=7  (3-4)(3+4)=-7\;\checkmark.

Answer

x216y2=(x4y)(x+4y)x^2-16y^2=(x-4y)(x+4y)

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