Algebra help (1 Viewer)

[lacklustre]

Hi I'm doing a parametrics question. I seem to be stumped by some simple algebra, so I would appreciate some help.

this is a proof q - the answer is: PS = a(p²+1)

I am up to this stage (don't worry the below is correct, I checked worked answers, i just don't know how to get to the finished product):

PS² = a²(p⁴+2p²+1)

 

[tacogym27101990]

i think you just say

PS^2= a^2(p^4+2p^2+1)
=a^2(p^2+1)^2

therefore PS=a(p^2+1)

 

[pLuvia]

Not quite, it may seem trivial but it is important that you understand this and let the markers know you understand

PS² = a²(p⁴+2p²+1)
=a²(p²+1)²
PS= +a(p²+1)

Since PS represents the distance then PS>0

Hence
PS=a(p²+1)

 

[tacogym27101990]

o yeah probably should have shown that aswell