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Simplification & Approximation · Question 53 of 71

Question 53

MediumOriginal question

Simplify (7+3)2−(7−3)2(\sqrt{7} + \sqrt{3})^2 - (\sqrt{7} - \sqrt{3})^2.

Options for question 53

Show the answer and explanation
CorrectNot quiteAnswer A

Correct answer: A

Explanation

  1. (a+b)2−(a−b)2=4ab(a + b)^2 - (a - b)^2 = 4ab.

  2. With a=7a = \sqrt{7}, b=3b = \sqrt{3}: 473=4214\sqrt{7}\sqrt{3} = 4\sqrt{21}.

  3. Check by expanding: (10+221)−(10−221)=421(10 + 2\sqrt{21}) - (10 - 2\sqrt{21}) = 4\sqrt{21}.

Worth noting

The squares do not cancel to 0; the 77 and 33 cancel, but the cross terms add. Using 2ab2ab instead of 4ab4ab gives 2212\sqrt{21}.

Concept
Using (a + b)² − (a − b)² = 4ab with surds
Typical time
50 s
Your time
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The rule this testsPowers, roots and surds
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Ten questions from Simplification & Approximation, at your own pace.

Practise this chapter →

Ten questions from Simplification & Approximation, at your own pace.