Question
Factorise -a^3 + a^2 + ab^2 - b^2
Answer
(a-1)(b^2-a^2)
- Group the terms in pairs. A: -(a^3 - a^2) + (ab^2 - b^2)
- Factor out common terms from each pair. A: -a^2(a-1) + b^2(a-1)
- Combine the common factor, (a-1). A: (a-1)(b^2-a^2)