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3 September, 12:32

A student is asked to factor, if possible, the given expression. The student's response demonstrates which common misconception? Simplify: a2 + b2 Student's response: (a + b) (a - b)

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  1. 3 September, 12:46
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    The student assumed he was asked to factor

    (a^2 - b^2)

    Which is equal to

    = (a+b) * (a-b) (His response)

    But, he was asked to simplify

    (a^2 + b^2)

    Which has imaginary roots, and can be factored as:

    (b + ai) (b-ai)
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