What is the value of the expression 5^2 - 3^2?

What is the value of the expression 5^2 - 3^2?

• A. 16
• B. 5
• C. 14
• D. 18

Answer: (C)

To find the value of the expression \(5^2 - 3^2\), we first need to compute each square. Calculating \(5^2\) gives us \(5 \times 5 = 25\). Next, calculating \(3^2\) provides \(3 \times 3 = 9\). Now, we subtract the two results: \[ 25 - 9 = 16. \] Therefore, the value of the expression \(5^2 - 3^2\) is \(16\). This approach aligns with the properties of squares, which can also be verified by applying the difference of squares formula, \(a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)\). Here, it would translate to \( (5 - 3)(5 + 3) = 2 \times 8 = 16\), confirming the calculation methodically. This makes the correct value of the expression \(16\), corresponding with one of the choices provided in the question.

To find the value of the expression (5^2 - 3^2), we first need to compute each square.

Calculating (5^2) gives us (5 \times 5 = 25).

Next, calculating (3^2) provides (3 \times 3 = 9).

Now, we subtract the two results:

[

25 - 9 = 16.

]

Therefore, the value of the expression (5^2 - 3^2) is (16). This approach aligns with the properties of squares, which can also be verified by applying the difference of squares formula, (a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)). Here, it would translate to ( (5 - 3)(5 + 3) = 2 \times 8 = 16), confirming the calculation methodically.

This makes the correct value of the expression (16), corresponding with one of the choices provided in the question.