If, x2 – 49 = (x+a) (x – a), what is the value of a?

a = 7 & a = −7

Explanation:

Rewrite the equation as (x+a)(x−a)=x^2−49

Simplify (x+a)(x−a)

x^2−a^2=x^2−49

Move all terms not containing a to the right side of the equation.

−a^2=−49

Multiply each term in −a^2=−49 by −1

a^2=49

Take the square root of both sides of the equation to eliminate the exponent on the left side.

a = ±√49

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

a = 7,−7

answer: i think it is (1,-2)