Algebra Examples

$a^{2} - b^{2} = 0$

Step 1

Add $b^{2}$ to both sides of the equation.

$a^{2} = b^{2}$

Step 2

Since the exponents are equal, the bases of the exponents on both sides of the equation must be equal.

$| a | = | b |$

Step 3

Solve for $a$ .

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Step 3.1

Remove the absolute value term. This creates a $\pm$ on the right side of the equation because $| x | = \pm x$ .

$a = \pm | b |$

Step 3.2

The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.

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Step 3.2.1

First, use the positive value of the $\pm$ to find the first solution.

$a = | b |$

Step 3.2.2

Next, use the negative value of the $\pm$ to find the second solution.

$a = - | b |$

Step 3.2.3

The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.

$a = | b |$

$a = - | b |$

$a = | b |$

$a = - | b |$

$a = | b |$

$a = - | b |$