If m and n are positive integers and m^2 - n^2 = 9, which of the following could be the value of n?
A) 1
B) 16
C) 9
D) 4

4

Problem:

If m and n are positive integers and m^2 - n^2 = 9, which of the following could be the value of

n?

A) 1

B) 16

C) 9

D) 4

Step-by-step explanation:

One approach would be to plug in the choices and see.

If n=1, then we have m^2-1=9.

This would give m^2=10 after adding 1 on both sides. There is no integer m when squared would give us 10. ( Square root of 9 is a decimal )

If n=16, then we would have m^2-256=9.

This would give m^2=265 after adding 256 on both sides. There is no integer m when squared would give us 265. ( Square root of 265 is a decimal )

If n=9, then we would have m^2-81=9.

This would give m^2=90 after adding 81 on both sides. There is no integer m when squared would give us 90. ( Square root of 90 is a decimal )

If n=4, then we would have m^2-16=9.

This would give m^2=25 after adding 16 on both sides. There is an integer m when squared would give us 25. ( Square root of 25 is a 5)