Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
a^2 - b^2 factors into (a + b)(a - b)
So now you have
(a + b)(a - b)
========== = 12
(a + b)
You are given that a <> b
So a + b cancels with (a + b) on the top.
a - b = 12
[tex]a\neq\pm b\Rightarrow \frac{ ( {a}^{2} - {b}^{2} ) }{a + b} = 12\Leftrightarrow \frac{(a - b)(a + b)}{a + b} = 12\Leftrightarrow a - b = 12[/tex]
