Guide #1, Number Properties, pg. 104

by **dabears** Sat Nov 15, 2008 4:24 am

I don't understand the process between the distributed form and factored form for the second to last example (a^b - a^(b-1). I understand the first part of the factored form (a^b(1-a^-1), but how the heck do you jump to the other part?
As always, thanks for your help.

by **JonathanSchneider** Wed Nov 19, 2008 9:31 pm

It's probably easier to see either of these forms as being the result of the original form. We show an equal sign here to say that these are each the potential result of the earlier version.

Take another look at that second part, and relate it back to the very first version, and I think you'll catch it : )