Given (a – b) = 2, (a3 – b3) = 26 then (a + b)2 is

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Given (a – b) = 2, (a³ – b³) = 26 then (a + b)² is

1. 9
2. 4
3. 16
4. 12

Correct Option: C

(a – b)³ = 2³
⇒ a³ – b³ – 3ab (a – b) = 8
⇒ 26 – 3ab × 2 = 8
⇒ 6ab = 26 – 8 = 18

⇒	18	= 3
	6

⇒ (a + b)² = (a – b)² + 4ab
= (2)² + 4 × 3 = 4 + 12 = 16