What is the sum of squares formula: a² + b² equals?
A
(a+b)² - 2ab
B
(a-b)² + 2ab
C
(a+b)(a-b)
D
Both A and B
Correct Answer: Option D — Both A and B
Explanation:
a² + b² = (a+b)² - 2ab = (a-b)² + 2ab. Both identities are correct and equivalent. This means if sum (a+b) and product (ab) are known we can find sum of squares without knowing individual values. Such algebraic manipulation problems are frequently tested in competitive exams to assess algebraic fluency.