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 Basic Thermodynamics ~ J. Pohl © ~ 2019 www.ThermoSpokenHere.com (A0680-002)

Prove: (A - B)2 = A2 - 2AB + B2

The Greeks understood the totality of anything
to always equal the sum of its parts.

We begin with the slightly easier task; a proof regarding (A + B) 2. (This proof was made by Euclid around 300 B.C.)

By inspection of the figure to the right, it is apparent (add the areas).

(A + B)2 = A2 + 2 AB + B2

But we need (A - B)². So Let's use the identical square areas but assign new lengths for the previous A and B such that (A - B) arises as a factor. The second sketch, below right, shows these choices.

Again the area of the outer square will equal the sum of its areas interior:

A2 = (A - B)2 + 2(A - B)B + B2

A2 = (A - B)2 + 2AB - 2B2 + B2

Now, rearrange and collect the above equation to obtain:

(A - B)2 = A2 - 2AB + B2   Q.E.D.

A technique used in geometry is also used in thermodynamics. Break things apart, solve, then put the pieces back together.

Tags: geo_alg_trig