PET 2026 · CSAT

Algebraic identities and digit equations

Link squares through products and write two-digit numbers in place-value form

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MINDMAPS FOR UPSCPET 2026 · VISUAL REVISION

Algebraic identities and digit equations

Link squares through products and write two-digit numbers in place-value form

Concept map
Identities and two-digit place value

Square expansions

  • (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b² and (a − b)² = a² − 2ab + b².
  • Rearrange to isolate sum of squares: a² + b² = (a − b)² + 2ab = (a + b)² − 2ab.
  • (a + b)² − (a − b)² = 4ab connects sum, difference and product directly.

Direct evaluation without roots

  • Here the identity gives the required sum of squares without solving for a and b separately.
  • Given a − b = 4 and ab = 12, substitute into a² + b² = (a − b)² + 2ab.
  • Compute 4² + 2(12) = 16 + 24 = 40; watch the +2ab sign when starting from (a − b)².

Place-value representation

  • A two-digit number with tens digit a and units digit b equals 10a + b, not ab.
  • Reversing the digits swaps place values to give the new number 10b + a.
  • Digit bounds: tens digit a ∈ {1, …, 9} and units digit b ∈ {0, …, 9}.

Reversal difference and solution

  • Difference on reversal is always a multiple of 9: (10b + a) − (10a + b) = 9(b − a).
  • If reversal increases the number by 45, then 9(b − a) = 45, so b − a = 5.
  • Combining a + b = 9 with b − a = 5 gives a = 2, b = 7; original number is 27 (72 − 27 = 45).
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Practise this concept · संबंधित प्रश्न

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25 Oct · Shift 1 · 2026

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Sources & study notes · स्रोत

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