What is the value of 26 `xx` 34?

Options

A. a)904
B. b)896
C. c)908
D. d)884

Answer

To find the value of 26 `xx` 34, we can interpret `xx` as multiplication. Thus, we need to calculate \( 26 \times 34 \).

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the numbers**: We have 26 and 34.

2. **Use the formula for difference of squares**: We can express the multiplication in a different form. Notice that:
\[ 26 = 30 - 4 \quad \text{and} \quad 34 = 30 + 4 \]
This means we can rewrite the multiplication as:
\[ 26 \times 34 = (30 - 4)(30 + 4) \]

3. **Apply the difference of squares formula**: The difference of squares formula states that:
\[ (a - b)(a + b) = a^2 - b^2 \]
Here, \( a = 30 \) and \( b = 4 \). So we can apply the formula:
\[ (30 - 4)(30 + 4) = 30^2 - 4^2 \]

4. **Calculate the squares**:
- \( 30^2 = 900 \)
- \( 4^2 = 16 \)

5. **Subtract the squares**:
\[ 900 - 16 = 884 \]

6. **Final answer**: Therefore, the value of \( 26 \times 34 \) is \( 884 \).