Question:medium

Find \((a + b)^4 - (a - b)^4\). Hence, evaluate \((\sqrt3 + \sqrt2)^4 - (\sqrt3 - \sqrt2)^4\).

Updated On: Jan 23, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Part I: Find (a + b)4 − (a − b)4


Step 1: Expand using Binomial Theorem

(a + b)4 = a4 + 4a3b + 6a2b2 + 4ab3 + b4

(a − b)4 = a4 − 4a3b + 6a2b2 − 4ab3 + b4


Step 2: Subtract

(a + b)4 − (a − b)4

= 8a3b + 8ab3

= 8ab(a2 + b2)


Result:

(a + b)4 − (a − b)4 = 8ab(a2 + b2)


Part II: Evaluate (√3 + √2)4 − (√3 − √2)4


Step 1: Substitute a = √3, b = √2

a2 + b2 = 3 + 2 = 5

ab = √6


Step 2: Evaluate

8ab(a2 + b2) = 8 × √6 × 5

= 40√6


Final Answers:

(a + b)4 − (a − b)4 = 8ab(a2 + b2)

(√3 + √2)4 − (√3 − √2)4 = 40√6

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