Problem Solving (PS) | Re: If a and b are non-zero integers and a^8*b^4 - a^4*b^2 = 12. Which of

a^8*b^4-a^4*b^2=12
a^4*b^2(a^4*b^2-1)=12
lets say a^4*b^2 = x
therefore x(x-1) =12
That will give us
x^2-x-12=0
x=4 or x =-3

but any positive integer power of any integer cant be negative. so x = 4.
i.e a^4*b^2=4
since a and b are non zero integers a can be 1,-1 and b can be 2,-2.

now a^1 = 1 for -1 and 1.

So1) 2/b will give us 1 since b can be 2.
2) -2/b can give us 1 if we take b as -2.
3) 3/b is not possible for any of the values of b.

Answer is C
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