WAEC Further Mathematics 2010 Question 39

Question 39

Surds

Simplify (1 + 2√3)2 − (1 − 2√3)2.

  1. A.0
  2. B.8√3
  3. C.13
  4. D.2 − 4√3
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (8√3)

Explanation

(1 + 2√3)2 = 13 + 4√3 and (1 − 2√3)2 = 13 − 4√3. The difference is 8√3.