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

3158 Views

See similar PAT University tutors

Related PAT University answers

All answers ▸

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.


Derive the mgh approximation for gravitational potential energy.


If water is trapped between two planes on a train, and the train decelerates at 4ms^-2. What angle does the surface of the water make with the horizontal?


Five point charges, each of positive charge q, are arranged to form the corners of a uniform pentagon. A point charge Q is placed at the pentagon's centre. One of the corner charges is removed. What force does the centre charge experience?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning