Sophie Germain Identity

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The Sophie Germain Identity, credited to Marie-Sophie Germain, states that:

$a^4 + 4b^4 = (a^2 + 2b^2 + 2ab)(a^2 + 2b^2 - 2ab)$

The proof involves completing the square and then difference of squares.

$\displaystyle a^4 + 4b^4 = a^4 + 4a^2b^2 + 4b^4 - 4a^4b^4$
$= (a^2 + 2b^2)^2 - 4a^4b^4$
$\displaystyle = (a^2 + 2b^2 - 2ab) (a^2 + 2b^2 + 2ab)$

Problems

Introductory

Intermediate