Solve by factoring
a^2 -121 = 0
(a+11)(a-11) = 0
a = -11
a = +11
To solve the equation a^2 - 121 = 0 by factoring, we first need to recognize that it is a difference of squares.
The equation can be rewritten as (a - 11)(a + 11) = 0.
Now we set each factor equal to zero:
a - 11 = 0 or a + 11 = 0.
Solving these equations, we find that a = 11 or a = -11.
Therefore, the solutions to the equation a^2 - 121 = 0 are a = 11 or a = -11.
To solve the equation a^2 - 121 = 0 by factoring, we need to rewrite the equation in the form (a - b)(a + b) = 0, where a and b are some expressions.
First, we can rewrite 121 as 11^2 since 11 multiplied by itself gives 121.
So, we have a^2 - 11^2 = 0.
Next, we can recognize that this equation follows the difference of squares pattern, which states that a^2 - b^2 can be factored as (a - b)(a + b).
In this case, a^2 - 11^2 can be factored as (a - 11)(a + 11) = 0.
Now, we set each factor equal to zero and solve for a:
a - 11 = 0
a = 11
a + 11 = 0
a = -11
Therefore, the solutions to the equation a^2 - 121 = 0 are a = 11 and a = -11.