if a+b=2 and a2-b2=-4, what is the value of a-b?
a^2 - b^2 = -4
Factor this:
(a + b)(a - b) = -4
We know from above, (a +b) = 2, so substitute:
2(a - b) = -4
Divide each side by 2
(a - b) = -2
a^2 - b^2 = -4
Factor this:
(a + b)(a - b) = -4
We know from above, (a +b) = 2, so substitute:
2(a - b) = -4
Divide each side by 2
(a - b) = -2