Factor

(m + 4) (a – 5) + (m + 4) (a + 3)

I am pretty sure its this but want to double check! Thanks!

(m + 4) (a^2 – 2)

How did you get the a^2?

a*a = a^2? yes? No? Or is it

(m + 4) (2a – 2)

yes it is (m+4)(2a-2)

Why would it be this because a*a is 2a? I thought at first it is a^2? Can you please explain, thanks!

To factor the given expression, let's start by rewriting it:

(m + 4) (a - 5) + (m + 4) (a + 3)

We notice that both terms in the expression have a common factor, which is (m + 4). We can factor it out:

(m + 4) [ (a - 5) + (a + 3) ]

Now, let's simplify the expression inside the brackets:

(a - 5) + (a + 3)

To combine like terms, we add the coefficients of a:

a - 5 + a + 3

Simplifying further, we have:

2a - 2

Therefore, the fully factored expression is:
(m + 4)(2a - 2)
or you can also write it as:
2(m + 4)(a - 1)

So, your initial guess of (m + 4)(a^2 - 2) is not correct. The correct factored form is (m + 4)(2a - 2).