Math Is Fun Forum

Kurtz

Member

Registered: 2007-10-01

Posts: 27

Grouping

Is it possible to solve this problem with the grouping method? It ask to use the grouping method on this to simplify but I think it is not possible.

a²x + bx - a²z - bx

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I am a mathemagician. You ask why? I point up

Kurtz

Member

Registered: 2007-10-01

Posts: 27

Re: Grouping

Or does it become

             (x - z) (a^4 - b²)  ?

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I am a mathemagician. You ask why? I point up

mathsyperson

Moderator

Registered: 2005-06-22

Posts: 4,900

Re: Grouping

a²x + bx - a²z - bx

a²x - a²z

a²(x-z)

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Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.

soroban

Member

Registered: 2007-03-09

Posts: 452

Re: Grouping

Hello, Kurtz!

Is it possible to solve this problem with the grouping method?

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Kurtz

Member

Registered: 2007-10-01

Posts: 27

Re: Grouping

oops thx that makes a lot more sense because I mess up on writing the problem

it was supposed to be a²x + bx - a²z - bz

thx for overlooking that mistake. and thx so much for helping me.

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I am a mathemagician. You ask why? I point up

Monox D. I-Fly

Member

From: Indonesia

Registered: 2015-12-02

Posts: 2,000

Re: Grouping

How did soroban know that the last term was supposed to be -bz?

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Actually I never watch Star Wars and not interested in it anyway, but I choose a Yoda card as my avatar in honor of our great friend bobbym who has passed away.
May his adventurous soul rest in peace at heaven.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,621

Re: Grouping

If you assume that the person setting the question did make a 'do-able' problem then a sign error making it impossible must be a typo.  Over the years I've seen a few.

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob