factoring

Factoring expression completely


Can some one tell me if I got this right? Not fishing for the real answer if I got it wrong, just need to know if I did it right or need to try again. The book I'm working through for practice only has answers to odd numbered problems.

Factor Completely:

Q. 8a^2 - 2b^2

My Answer: 2(2a + b)(2a - b)


Solution

  • You are absolutely correct, here are the steps:

    2(4a^2-b^2)
    
    2((2a)^2 - b^2)
    
    2(2a-b)(2a+b)
    

    This is most likely how you must have been factorised.