How do I evaluate something like 3070^2-3069^2?

This looks pretty daunting, but the key to this sort of a problem, which has come up a couple of times in previous PAT tests, is to recognise that this expression is actually the difference of two squares. It can be generalised to the problem of evaluating:

x2-y2

which has as its solution:

x2-y2 = (x+y)(x-y)

so in this case:

30702-30692 = (3070+3069)(3070-3069)=(6139)(1)=6139

SC
Answered by Sam C. PAT tutor

2939 Views

See similar PAT University tutors

Related PAT University answers

All answers ▸

Physics PAT 2017 question 20 https://www2.physics.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/page/2011/02/14/pat-2017-paper-42578.pdf


A matchbox of height h and uniform density stands on its end on a table with coefficient of friction μ. For accelerating it horizontally, at acceleration a, whilst upright, at which height y should the acceleration be applied?


Estimate the radius of the moon based on a solar eclipse given the distances between the earth and the moon, the earth and the sun, and the radius of the sun.


Find all real solutions of (x^2 +4x +3)^(x^2 -6x+8) = 1


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning