Please help it’s due!!

Can someone factor this fully? my friend and i have two different answers and i would like to know if either of them is right. you in advance. a^2 - b^2 + 25 + 10a

Which of the following is the best first step in solving the equation below? 4+2㏒³x=17

At the beginning of year 1, carlos invests $600 at an annual compound interest rate of 4%. he makes no deposits to or withdrawals from the account. which explicit formula can be used to find the account's balance at the beginning of year 5? what is, the balance?