What is (x^2 - y^2) equal to ?

For the next two (02) items that follow : Let x = \frac{\sqrt{6} + \sqrt{5}}{\sqrt{6} - \sqrt{5}} and y = \frac{\sqrt{6} - \sqrt{5}}{\sqrt{6} + \sqrt{5}}

  1. A. 22\sqrt{30}
  2. B. 44\sqrt{30}
  3. C. 66\sqrt{30}
  4. D. 88\sqrt{30}

Correct Answer: D. 88\sqrt{30}

Explanation

Rationalizing x and y yields x = (\sqrt{6}+\sqrt{5})^2 = 11+2\sqrt{30} and y = (\sqrt{6}-\sqrt{5})^2 = 11-2\sqrt{30}. Thus x+y = 22 and x-y = 4\sqrt{30}. Therefore, x^2 - y^2 = (x+y)(x-y) = 22 \times 4\sqrt{30} = 88\sqrt{30}.

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