Q. \[ x^2 – 4 \]
Answer
We factor the expression \(x^2-4\) as a difference of squares.
\[
x^2-4=(x-2)(x+2)
\]
So the solutions to \(x^2-4=0\) are \(x=2\) and \(x=-2\).
Detailed Explanation
We are given the expression \(x^2 – 4\). Our goal is usually to simplify it by factoring it (because \(x^2 – 4\) is a difference of squares).
Step 1: Recognize a difference of squares
Recall the identity:
\[
a^2 – b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)
\]
Rewrite \(x^2 – 4\) in the form \(a^2 – b^2\).
Match terms:
-
\(a^2 = x^2\) so \(a = x\).
-
\(b^2 = 4\) so \(b = 2\) (since \(2^2 = 4\)).
Step 2: Apply the identity
Substitute \(a = x\) and \(b = 2\) into the formula \(a^2 – b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)\).
\[
x^2 – 4 = (x-2)(x+2)
\]
Final Answer
\[
x^2 – 4 = (x-2)(x+2)
\]
See full solution
Graph
Algebra FAQ
What are the roots of \(x^2-4=0\)?
Solve \(x^2=4\), so \(x=\pm 2\).
Can \(x^2-4\) be factored?
Yes. \(x^2-4=(x-2)(x+2)\).
What is the vertex form of \(x^2-4\)?
It is \(x^2-4=(x-0)^2-4\), so the vertex is \((0,-4)\).
Does \(x^2-4\) have a real \(y\)-intercept?
Yes. At \(x=0\), \(y=0^2-4=-4\), so intercept is \((0,-4)\).
What are the sign intervals of \(x^2-4\)?
Using factor form: \(x^2-4>0\) for \(x<-2\) or \(x>2\); \(x^2-4<0\) for \(-2
Solve \(x^2-4>0\).
\(x^2>4\) implies \(x<-2\) or \(x>2\). In interval notation: \((-\infty,-2)\cup(2,\infty)\).
What is the derivative of \(x^2-4\)?
\(\frac{d}{dx}(x^2-4)=2x\).
What is the definite integral \(\int (x^2-4)\,dx\)?
\(\int (x^2-4)\,dx=\frac{x^3}{3}-4x+C\).
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