How do you evaluate #(7-\sqrt{11})(7+\sqrt{11})#?

1 Answer
Dec 5, 2017

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

Use this rule for quadratics to evaluate or expand the expression:

#(color(red)(x) + color(blue)(y))(color(red)(x) - color(blue)(y)) = color(red)(x)^2 - color(blue)(y)^2#

Substitute #7# for #color(red)(x)#

Substitute #sqrt(11)# for #color(blue)(y)#

Giving:

#(color(red)(7) + color(blue)(sqrt(11)))(color(red)(7) - color(blue)(sqrt(11))) = color(red)(7)^2 - (color(blue)(sqrt(11)))^2 = 49 - 11 = 38#