Key Concept: Distributive Property, Special Identities

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
First, recognize that the expression $\left(\frac{x}{2} - \frac{y}{3}\right)\left(\frac{x}{2} + \frac{y}{3}\right)$ is of the form $(a - b)(a + b)$, where $a = \frac{x}{2}$ and $b = \frac{y}{3}$. Using the identity $(a - b)(a + b) = a^2 - b^2$, we substitute the values of $a$ and $b$:
$\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)^2 - \left(\frac{y}{3}\right)^2 = \frac{x^2}{4} - \frac{y^2}{9}$
Therefore, both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

Key Concept: Simplification of algebraic expressions

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The Assertion is true because expanding $(a + b)^2$ gives $a^2 + 2ab + b^2$ as per the algebraic identity. The Reason is also true because the distributive property is applied to expand the expression, and like terms ($ab + ab$) are combined to get $2ab$. Moreover, the Reason correctly explains the Assertion as it details the method used for simplification.

Key Concept: Distributive Property, Simplification

a) $6x^2 - 7x - 20$
[Solution Description]
To simplify $(3x + 4)(2x - 5)$, we use the distributive property:
$(3x + 4)(2x - 5) = 3x \times 2x + 3x \times (-5) + 4 \times 2x + 4 \times (-5)$
Simplify each term:
$3x \times 2x = 6x^2$
$3x \times (-5) = -15x$
$4 \times 2x = 8x$
$4 \times (-5) = -20$
Combine the terms:
$6x^2 - 15x + 8x - 20 = 6x^2 - 7x - 20$

Key Concept: Simplification using Distributive Property

a) $\frac{5x^2}{3} - \frac{10xy}{3} + \frac{5x}{12}$
[Solution Description]
To simplify, distribute $\frac{5x}{3}$ to each term inside the parentheses:
$\frac{5x}{3} \times x = \frac{5x^2}{3}$
$\frac{5x}{3} \times (-2y) = -\frac{10xy}{3}$
$\frac{5x}{3} \times \frac{1}{4} = \frac{5x}{12}$
So, the simplified form is $\frac{5x^2}{3} - \frac{10xy}{3} + \frac{5x}{12}$

Key Concept: Distributive property

a) $\frac{3}{2}a^2 - \frac{3}{2}ab + \frac{3}{10}a$
[Solution Description]
Apply the distributive property to expand the expression:
$\frac{3a}{2}(a) = \frac{3}{2}a^2$
$\frac{3a}{2}(-b) = -\frac{3}{2}ab$
$\frac{3a}{2}\left(\frac{1}{5}\right) = \frac{3}{10}a$
Combining these, we get: $\frac{3}{2}a^2 - \frac{3}{2}ab + \frac{3}{10}a$

Key Concept: Special Identities, Simplification

a) $4a^2 - 12ab + 9b^2$
[Solution Description]
Using the identity $(a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2$, we substitute $a = 2a$ and $b = 3b$:
$(2a - 3b)^2 = (2a)^2 - 2 \times 2a \times 3b + (3b)^2$
Simplify each term:
$(2a)^2 = 4a^2$
$2 \times 2a \times 3b = 12ab$
$(3b)^2 = 9b^2$
Combine the terms:
$4a^2 - 12ab + 9b^2$

Key Concept: Simplifying with Like Terms

a) $20p^2 - 5pq$
[Solution Description]
First, distribute $-4p$ inside the parentheses:
$-4p \times (-5p) = 20p^2$
$-4p \times 2q = -8pq$
Now, add $3pq$ to the result:
$20p^2 - 8pq + 3pq = 20p^2 - 5pq$

Key Concept: Multiplying Trinomials, Simplification

a) $x^3 - x^2 - x + 10$
[Solution Description]
We use the distributive property to multiply $(x + 2)$ with each term in $(x^2 - 3x + 5)$:
$(x + 2)(x^2 - 3x + 5) = x \times x^2 + x \times (-3x) + x \times 5 + 2 \times x^2 + 2 \times (-3x) + 2 \times 5$
Simplify each term:
$x \times x^2 = x^3$
$x \times (-3x) = -3x^2$
$x \times 5 = 5x$
$2 \times x^2 = 2x^2$
$2 \times (-3x) = -6x$
$2 \times 5 = 10$
Combine the terms:
$x^3 - 3x^2 + 5x + 2x^2 - 6x + 10 = x^3 - x^2 - x + 10$

Key Concept: Simplification of Algebraic Expressions

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
To simplify $3x(2x - 5y + 1)$, we use the distributive property:
Step 1: Multiply $3x$ by each term inside the bracket:
$3x \times 2x = 6x^2$
$3x \times (-5y) = -15xy$
$3x \times 1 = 3x$
Step 2: Combine the results: $6x^2 - 15xy + 3x$.
The Assertion is true as it correctly applies the distributive property.
The Reason is also true and correctly explains why the assertion holds.

Key Concept: Simplifying using exponent notation

b) $3a^3$
[Solution Description]
To simplify $3a^2 \times a$, multiply the coefficients and add the exponents of like bases:
$3a^2 \times a = 3a^{2 + 1} = 3a^3$

Key Concept: Expanding Binomial Expressions

b) $4m^2 + 12mn + 9n^2$
[Solution Description]
Using the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$,
$(2m + 3n)^2 = (2m)^2 + 2(2m)(3n) + (3n)^2$
$= 4m^2 + 12mn + 9n^2$

Key Concept: Special identities

b) $a^2 + 2ab + b^2$
[Solution Description]
Using the special identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$, the expansion is straightforward:
$(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$.

Key Concept: Sum of squares, Algebraic identities

a) 100
[Solution Description]
Plugging in $a = 8$ and $b = 6$ into the identity:
$2(8^2 + 6^2) = (8 + 6)^2 + (8 - 6)^2$
$2(64 + 36) = 14^2 + 2^2$
$200 = 196 + 4$
Now, solving for $a^2 + b^2$:
$2(a^2 + b^2) = 200 \implies a^2 + b^2 = 100$

Key Concept: Using identities to simplify expressions

d) 64
[Solution Description]
To solve $(5 + 3)^2$, apply the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$.
Here, $a = 5$ and $b = 3$.
Substituting these values into the identity:
$(5 + 3)^2 = 5^2 + 2 \times 5 \times 3 + 3^2$
Calculate each term step-by-step:
$5^2 = 25$
$2 \times 5 \times 3 = 30$
$3^2 = 9$
Now add all terms:
$25 + 30 + 9 = 64$

Key Concept: Square of binomial, Expanding expressions

c) $16x^2 + 56x + 49$
[Solution Description]
Applying the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$ with $a = 4x$ and $b = 7$, we get:
$(4x)^2 + 2(4x)(7) + 7^2 = 16x^2 + 56x + 49$

Key Concept: Algebraic Identities

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that the identity $(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2$ simplifies multiplication, which is true as shown in examples like $98 \times 102 = 100^2 - 2^2 = 9996$. The reason explains that this identity comes from the distributive property, which is also correct because expanding $(a + b)(a - b)$ gives $a^2 - ab + ab - b^2 = a^2 - b^2$, confirming the identity. Thus, the reason correctly explains the assertion.

Key Concept: Using the identity $(a + b

c) 25
[Solution Description]

We know that
$(a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$

Here, $((x+5)^2)$ means $(a=x)$ and $(b=5).$ So,
$(x+5)^2 = x^2 + 2(x)(5) + 5^2$
$= x^2 + 10x + 25$

Comparing this with
$x^2 + 10x + k$

we get:
$k = 25$

So, the value of $k$ is $(\boxed{25}\).$

Key Concept: Difference of squares

d) 64
[Solution Description]
To find $10^2 - 6^2$, use the identity $a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)$.
Here, $a = 10$ and $b = 6$.
Substituting these values into the identity:
$10^2 - 6^2 = (10 + 6)(10 - 6)$
Calculate each part step-by-step:
$10 + 6 = 16$
$10 - 6 = 4$
Now multiply them:
$16 \times 4 = 64$

Key Concept: Using the identity $a^2 - b^2 = (a + b

b) 2200
[Solution Description]

We know that
$a^2 - b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)$

Here,
$a = 47,\quad b = 3$

So,
$47^2 - 3^2 = (47-3)(47+3)$

$= 44 \times 50$
$= 2200$

Therefore, the value of
$47^2 - 3^2$
is 2200.

Key Concept: Applying $(a + b

a) 95
[Solution Description]

We know that
$(a+b)(a-b)=a^2-b^2$

Here,
$a=12,\quad b=7$

So,
$(12+7)(12-7)=12^2-7^2$

$=144-49$

$=95$

Therefore, the value of
$(12+7)(12-7)$
is 95.

Key Concept: Difference of squares, Algebraic identities

a) 4891
[Solution Description]
We can express $73 \times 67$ as $(70 + 3)(70 - 3)$. Using the difference of squares identity, this becomes:
$70^2 - 3^2 = 4900 - 9 = 4891$

Key Concept: Using identities to explain numerical puzzles

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that $(10 + 5)^2$ can be expanded using the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$. This is correct because the identity holds for any real numbers $a$ and $b$, including 10 and 5. Applying it, we get:
$(10 + 5)^2 = 10^2 + 2 \times 10 \times 5 + 5^2 = 100 + 100 + 25 = 225$
The reason correctly explains why the identity works: the square of a binomial indeed equals the sum of the squares of the terms and twice their product. Therefore, both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

Key Concept: Algebraic Pattern Investigation: Sum of Squares and Difference of Squares

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that for any two natural numbers $a$ and $b$, $2(a^2 + b^2)$ can be written as $(a + b)^2 + (a - b)^2$. This is supported by the algebraic identity provided in the reason. By expanding $(a + b)^2$ and $(a - b)^2$:
$(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 \\ \\ (a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2$
Adding these two equations gives:
$(a + b)^2 + (a - b)^2 = 2a^2 + 2b^2 = 2(a^2 + b^2)$
Thus, the assertion is true, and the reason correctly explains it using the derived identity.

Key Concept: Verifying patterns

a) $100 + 16 = 116$
[Solution Description]
The given pattern is $(a + b)^2 + (a - b)^2 = 2(a^2 + b^2)$. Substitute $a = 7$ and $b = 3$ into the equation.
First calculate $(a + b)^2$:
$(7 + 3)^2 = 10^2 = 100$
Next calculate $(a - b)^2$:
$(7 - 3)^2 = 4^2 = 16$
Add the two results:
$100 + 16 = 116$
Now compute $2(a^2 + b^2)$:
$a^2 = 7^2 = 49$
$b^2 = 3^2 = 9$
Sum them:
$49 + 9 = 58$
Multiply by 2:
$2 \times 58 = 116$
Both sides are equal, confirming the pattern holds.

Key Concept: Pattern recognition, Squares

c) 120
[Solution Description]
For Step $k = 10$, substitute into the equation:
$(10 + 1)^2 - 1 = 11^2 - 1 = 121 - 1 = 120$
Alternatively, using the other form of the identity:
$10^2 + 2 \times 10 = 100 + 20 = 120$
Both methods yield the same result.

Key Concept: Square of Sum Identity

c) $x^2 + 6x + 9$
[Solution Description]
The square of sum identity states that $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$. For $(x + 3)^2$, let $a = x$ and $b = 3$. Applying the identity:
$(x + 3)^2 = x^2 + 2 \times x \times 3 + 3^2 = x^2 + 6x + 9$.

Key Concept: Difference of squares, Pattern recognition

a) $70^2 - 3^2$
[Solution Description]
To solve this, we identify that $67 = 70 - 3$ and $73 = 70 + 3$. Using the difference of squares identity: $(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2$, where $a = 70$ and $b = 3$. Thus:
$67 \times 73 = (70 + 3)(70 - 3) = 70^2 - 3^2 = 4900 - 9 = 4891$

Key Concept: Square of a Number Using Identity

b) 2025
[Solution Description]
Use the identity $(a + b)(a - b) + b^2 = a^2$ with $a = 45$ and $b = 5$.
Step 1: Compute $(a + b)(a - b) = (45 + 5)(45 - 5) = 50 \times 40 = 2000$.
Step 2: Add $b^2 = 5^2 = 25$ to the result from Step 1.
Therefore, $45^2 = 2000 + 25 = 2025$.

Key Concept: Sum of squares identity, Multi-step solution

c) 338
[Solution Description]
First, calculate $a^2 + b^2$ where $a = 5$ and $b = 12$:
$5^2 + 12^2 = 25 + 144 = 169$
Now, multiply by 2 as per the identity:
$2(169) = 338$
Alternatively, using the identity directly:
$(5 + 12)^2 + (5 - 12)^2 = 17^2 + (-7)^2 = 289 + 49 = 338$

Key Concept: Sum of Squares Pattern

c) 260
[Solution Description]
The sum of squares pattern is $2(a^2 + b^2) = (a + b)^2 + (a - b)^2$. Here, $a = 7$ and $b = 9$.
Step 1: Compute $(a + b)^2 = (7 + 9)^2 = 16^2 = 256$.
Step 2: Compute $(a - b)^2 = (7 - 9)^2 = (-2)^2 = 4$.
Step 3: Add results from Step 1 and Step 2: $256 + 4 = 260$.
Thus, $2(a^2 + b^2) = 260$.

Key Concept: Special Cases of the Distributive Property: Difference of Squares

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description] The difference of squares formula is given by $a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)$. Here, $a = 25$ and $b = 9$. Applying the formula, we get $25^2 - 9^2 = (25 + 9)(25 - 9) = 34 \times 16$. Thus, both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

Key Concept: Modified Sridharacharya's Identity

b) 2025
[Solution Description]
Modified Sridharacharya's Identity states that $a^2 = (a + b)(a - b) + b^2$. Let $a = 45$ and choose $b = 5$ for simplicity. Applying the identity:
$45^2 = (45 + 5)(45 - 5) + 5^2 = 50 \times 40 + 25 = 2000 + 25 = 2025$.

Key Concept: Square of a Number Using Identity

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
To find $34^2$ using the identity $(a + b)(a - b) + b^2$, let $a = 34$ and $b = 4$. Then, $(34 + 4)(34 - 4) + 4^2 = 38 \times 30 + 16 = 1140 + 16 = 1156$. Thus, $34^2 = 1156$. The Assertion is true as the identity helps simplify the calculation. The Reason is also true as it correctly explains why the identity is useful. Moreover, the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Key Concept: Difference of Squares Pattern

c) 80
[Solution Description]
The difference of squares pattern is $a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)$. Here, $a = 12$ and $b = 8$.
Step 1: Compute $(a + b) = 12 + 8 = 20$.
Step 2: Compute $(a - b) = 12 - 8 = 4$.
Step 3: Multiply results from Step 1 and Step 2: $20 \times 4 = 80$.
Thus, $(12^2 - 8^2) = 80$.

Key Concept: Difference of Squares Identity

c) $(5 + y)(5 - y)$
[Solution Description]
The difference of squares identity states that $a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)$. For $25 - y^2$, we can write 25 as $5^2$, so $a = 5$ and $b = y$. Applying the identity:
$25 - y^2 = 5^2 - y^2 = (5 + y)(5 - y)$.

Key Concept: Squares of numbers, Difference of squares

d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
[Solution Description]
Let us solve the assertion step by step. The given expression is $(k + 3)^2 - k^2$. Using the difference of squares identity, we can rewrite this expression as:
$(k + 3)^2 - k^2 = (k + 3 - k)(k + 3 + k) = 3(2k + 3)$
Now, simplify $3(2k + 3)$ further:
$3(2k + 3) = 6k + 9 = 3(2k + 3)$
For the expression to be divisible by 6, $6k + 9$ must be divisible by 6. However, $6k + 9 = 6k + 6 + 3 = 6(k + 1) + 3$, which leaves a remainder of 3 when divided by 6. Thus, it is not divisible by 6.
The Reason correctly uses the difference of squares identity and simplifies the expression to $3(2k + 3)$. However, the conclusion in the Assertion that it is divisible by 6 is incorrect because the expression evaluates to $6k + 9$, which is not divisible by 6 for all integers $k$.
Therefore, the Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.

Key Concept: Pattern Formula Application

b) 255
[Solution Description]
To find the number of circles at Step 15, substitute $k = 15$ into the formula:
$15^2 + 2 \times 15 = 225 + 30 = 255$
Therefore, the number of circles is 255.

Key Concept: Multiple methods

d) Method 4: $(k + 2)^2 - 4$
[Solution Description]
Let's verify each method:
1. Method 1: $k \times (k + 2) = k^2 + 2k$ — correct.
2. Method 2: $(k + 1)^2 - 1 = k^2 + 2k + 1 - 1 = k^2 + 2k$ — correct.
3. Method 3: $k \times (k + 1) + k = k^2 + k + k = k^2 + 2k$ — correct.
4. Method 4: $(k + 2)^2 - 4 = k^2 + 4k + 4 - 4 = k^2 + 4k$ — incorrect as it gives $k^2 +4k$ instead of $k^2 +2k$.
Thus, Method 4 is incorrect.

Key Concept: Pattern recognition, algebraic simplification

b) $k^2 + 5k + 8$
[Solution Description]
First, expand $(k + 3)^2$ using the formula $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$. This gives $k^2 + 6k + 9$. Next, subtract $(k + 1)$ from this result: $k^2 + 6k + 9 - k - 1 = k^2 + 5k + 8$. Therefore, the simplified form is $k^2 + 5k + 8$.

Key Concept: Multiple methods for pattern representation, algebraic equivalence

c) Yes, they simplify to $k^2 + 4k$
[Solution Description]
First, simplify each expression:
1) $(k + 2)^2 - 4 = k^2 + 4k + 4 - 4 = k^2 + 4k$.
2) $k(k + 4) = k^2 + 4k$.
3) $4k + k^2 = k^2 + 4k$ (rearranged).
All three expressions simplify to $k^2 + 4k$, confirming their equivalence.

Key Concept: Consistency of expressions

a) $(k+1)^2 -1$
[Solution Description]
To find an expression equal to $k^2 + 2k$, let's simplify each option:
1. Expanding $(k+1)^2 -1$ gives $k^2 + 2k + 1 -1 = k^2 + 2k$. This matches.
2. Simplifying $k(k + 1) + k$ gives $k^2 + k + k = k^2 + 2k$. This matches.
3. Factorizing $k(k + 2)$ directly gives $k^2 + 2k$. This matches.
4. The expression $(k + 2)^2 -4$ simplifies to $k^2 + 4k +4 -4 = k^2 +4k$ which doesn't match.
Therefore, options a), b), and c) are equivalent to $k^2 + 2k$.

Key Concept: Consistency of expressions across different methods

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description] The assertion is true because when we simplify both expressions:
$k \times (k + 2) = k^2 + 2k$
$(k + 1)^2 - 1 = k^2 + 2k + 1 - 1 = k^2 + 2k$
Both expressions simplify to the same form, which proves their consistency. The reason is also true and correctly explains the assertion, as different algebraic methods indeed lead to the same simplified result.

Key Concept: Consistency of expressions across different methods

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
First, let's evaluate Assertion (A): The expression provided is $k \times (k + 2)$, which simplifies to $k^2 + 2k$. This matches the general form given in the syllabus for the number of circles at Step k.
Next, let's evaluate Reason (R): The simplified form of $k \times (k + 2)$ indeed gives $k^2 + 2k$, and the syllabus confirms that this matches other alternative forms like $(k + 1)^2 - 1$ or $k \times (k + 1) + k$ when simplified further.
Since both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason correctly explains why Assertion holds, the correct answer is option a).

Key Concept: Pattern analysis

c) 48
[Solution Description]
Given the formula for the number of circles at Step k is $k^2 + 2k$. For Step 6, substitute $k=6$ into the formula:
$6^2 + 2 \times 6 = 36 + 12 = 48$ circles.

Key Concept: Consistency of expressions, Algebraic identities

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
To verify the assertion, let's simplify both expressions:
1. For $k \times (k + 2)$, we can expand it as follows:
$k \times (k + 2) = k^2 + 2k$
2. For $(k + 1)^2 - 1$, we use the formula $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$:
$(k + 1)^2 - 1 = (k^2 + 2k + 1) - 1 = k^2 + 2k$
Both expressions simplify to $k^2 + 2k$, confirming they are equivalent for all integer values of $k$. Therefore, Assertion is true.
The Reason states that both expressions simplify to the same form $k^2 + 2k$, which is also true and correctly explains the Assertion.

Key Concept: Pattern Formula Verification

c) $k^2 + 2k$
[Solution Description]
Expand the given expression:
$k \times (k + 2) = k^2 + 2k$
Now compare it with other expressions. The option that matches $k^2 + 2k$ is correct.

Key Concept: Real-world application of patterns, step calculation

c) 70
[Solution Description]
Substitute $n = 7$ into the expression $n(n + 3)$: $7 \times (7 + 3) = 7 \times 10 = 70$. Thus, 70 tiles are needed for Step 7.

Key Concept: Expression Simplification

b) $k^2 + 2k$
[Solution Description]
Expand and simplify the expression:
$(k + 1)^2 - 1 = k^2 + 2k + 1 - 1 = k^2 + 2k$
The simplified form is $k^2 + 2k$.

Key Concept: Sum of Squares, Difference of Squares

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
Let us verify the assertion by expanding both sides:
\textbf{Left Side:}
$2(a^2 + b^2) = 2a^2 + 2b^2$
\textbf{Right Side:}
$(a + b)^2 + (a - b)^2 = (a^2 + 2ab + b^2) + (a^2 - 2ab + b^2) = 2a^2 + 2b^2$
Both sides simplify to $2a^2 + 2b^2$, confirming the assertion is true. The reason provides the correct derivation steps, proving it is not only true but also the correct explanation.

Key Concept: Pattern Recognition - Sum of Squares

c) 50
[Solution Description]
Substitute $a = 3$ and $b = 4$ into the formula: $(3 + 4)^2 + (3 - 4)^2 = 49 + 1 = 50$

Key Concept: Distributive Property, Multi-step Simplification

b) $116$
[Solution Description]
Substitute $a = 7$ and $b = 3$ into the given identity:
$2(7^2 + 3^2) = (7 + 3)^2 + (7 - 3)^2$
Calculate each part step-by-step:
$7^2 = 49$, $3^2 = 9$, so $2(49 + 9) = 2(58) = 116$.
$(7 + 3)^2 = 10^2 = 100$.
$(7 - 3)^2 = 4^2 = 16$.
Verify: $100 + 16 = 116$.
The value is $116$.

Key Concept: Distributive Property, Algebraic Identities

b) $16k$
[Solution Description]
First, expand both squares using the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$ and $(a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2$.
$(k + 4)^2 = k^2 + 8k + 16$
$(k - 4)^2 = k^2 - 8k + 16$
Subtract the second expansion from the first:
$(k^2 + 8k + 16) - (k^2 - 8k + 16) = 16k$.
The simplified form is $16k$.

Key Concept: Special Case Expansion

b) $k^2 + 2k$
[Solution Description]
The expression $k(k + 2)$ can be expanded using the distributive property:
$k(k + 2) = k \cdot k + k \cdot 2 = k^2 + 2k$
Therefore, $k(k + 2) = k^2 + 2k$.

Key Concept: Distributive Property and Algebraic Identities

b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is NOT the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
First, expand $(a + b)^2$ using the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$. Similarly, expand $(a - b)^2$ using $(a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2$. Now, subtract $(a - b)^2$ from $(a + b)^2$: $(a^2 + 2ab + b^2) - (a^2 - 2ab + b^2)$. Simplify by combining like terms: $a^2 - a^2 + 2ab + 2ab + b^2 - b^2 = 4ab$. Thus, Assertion is true. Reason uses the identity $(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2$, which is not directly applicable here since we used expansion of squares, not difference of squares. Hence, Reason is true but does not correctly explain the Assertion.

Key Concept: Algebraic Identity - Difference of Squares

c) 9996
[Solution Description]
Express $98 \times 102$ as $(100 - 2)(100 + 2)$. Apply the difference of squares identity: $100^2 - 2^2 = 10000 - 4 = 9996$

Key Concept: Distributive Property - Basic Application

b) 35
[Solution Description]
Substitute $k = 5$ into the formula $k^2 + 2k$. The calculation is: $5^2 + 2 \times 5 = 25 + 10 = 35$

Key Concept: Distributive Property

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
To verify the assertion, we expand $(k + 1)^2 - 1$ step by step:
Step 1: Apply the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$.
So, $(k + 1)^2 = k^2 + 2 \times k \times 1 + 1^2 = k^2 + 2k + 1$.
Step 2: Subtract 1 from the expanded form.
Therefore, $(k + 1)^2 - 1 = k^2 + 2k + 1 - 1 = k^2 + 2k$.
This matches the given expression $k^2 + 2k$. Hence, both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

Key Concept: Distributive Property

b) 91
[Solution Description]
We can rewrite $13 \times 7$ as $(10 + 3)(10 - 3)$. Using the identity $(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2$, we get:
$(10 + 3)(10 - 3) = 10^2 - 3^2 = 100 - 9 = 91$
Thus, $13 \times 7 = 91$.

Key Concept: Distributive Property, Pattern Recognition

b) $9951$
[Solution Description]
Express $107 \times 93$ as $(100 + 7)(100 - 7)$.
Using the identity $(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2$, substitute $a = 100$ and $b = 7$:
$(100 + 7)(100 - 7) = 100^2 - 7^2 = 10000 - 49 = 9951$.
The result is $9951$.

Key Concept: Pattern Recognition

c) 130
[Solution Description]
Using the given pattern, we substitute $a = 7$ and $b = 4$ into the identity:
$2(a^2 + b^2) = (a + b)^2 + (a - b)^2$
So,
$2(7^2 + 4^2) = (7 + 4)^2 + (7 - 4)^2 = 11^2 + 3^2 = 121 + 9 = 130$
Thus, $2(4^2 + 7^2) = 130$.

Key Concept: Distributive Property, Product of Sum and Difference

a) $16a^2 - 81b^2$
[Solution Description]
This uses the product of sum and difference identity: $(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2$. Here, $a = 4a$ and $b = 9b$.
$(4a)^2 - (9b)^2 = 16a^2 - 81b^2$

Key Concept: Special Case: Square of Sum

b) $49$
[Solution Description]
Applying the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$ where $a = 5$ and $b = 2$:
$(5 + 2)^2 = 5^2 + 2 \times 5 \times 2 + 2^2$
Calculating each term:
$25 + 20 + 4 = 49$
Thus, the value is $49$.

Key Concept: Distributive Property, Square of Sum

a) $25x^2 + 70xy + 49y^2$
[Solution Description]
To solve this, we use the square of sum formula: $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$. Here, $a = 5x$ and $b = 7y$. Applying the formula:
$(5x)^2 + 2(5x)(7y) + (7y)^2 = 25x^2 + 70xy + 49y^2$

Key Concept: Distributive Property

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion is true because applying the distributive property to $5(3 + 4)$ indeed gives $5 \times 3 + 5 \times 4 = 15 + 20 = 35$. The reason correctly explains the distributive property, which is $a(b + c) = ab + ac$, and justifies the assertion.

Key Concept: Multiplication by Parts

b) $1212$
[Solution Description]
We can write $101$ as $(100 + 1)$. Thus, $12 \times 101 = 12 \times (100 + 1) = (12 \times 100) + (12 \times 1) = 1200 + 12 = 1212$.

Key Concept: Square of Sum Identity

d) $16 + 40 + 25$
[Solution Description]
Applying the identity, $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$. Substituting $a = 4$ and $b = 5$, we get $(4 + 5)^2 = 4^2 + 2 \times 4 \times 5 + 5^2 = 16 + 40 + 25 = 81$.

Key Concept: Distributive Property

b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is NOT the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
To expand $(2x + 3)(4y - 5)$, we use the distributive property (also known as FOIL method for binomials). Multiply each term in the first bracket by each term in the second bracket:
$(2x)(4y) + (2x)(-5) + (3)(4y) + (3)(-5) = 8xy - 10x + 12y - 15$
The assertion is correct. The reason correctly states the distributive property, but it does not explicitly explain the expansion of two binomials (which requires applying the distributive property twice). Thus, while both are true, the reason does not fully explain the assertion.

Key Concept: Distributive Property Application

b) $12 + 3x + 4y + xy$
[Solution Description]
To expand $(4 + x)(3 + y)$, we use the distributive property:
$(4 + x)(3 + y) = 4 \times 3 + 4 \times y + x \times 3 + x \times y$
Simplifying each term gives:
$12 + 4y + 3x + xy$
So, the expanded form is $12 + 3x + 4y + xy$.

Key Concept: Distributive Property, Special Cases

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
To expand $(x + y)^2$, we use the distributive property as follows:
$(x + y)^2 = (x + y)(x + y) = x \times x + x \times y + y \times x + y \times y = x^2 + 2xy + y^2$
Here, the assertion is true because $(x + y)^2$ indeed expands to $x^2 + 2xy + y^2$. The reason is also true and correctly explains the assertion, as the distributive property is used to break down the expression and perform the expansion.

Key Concept: Distributive Property

c) $15 + 40$
[Solution Description]
Using the distributive property, $a(b + c) = ab + ac$. Here, $a = 5$, $b = 3$, and $c = 8$. Therefore, $5(3 + 8) = (5 \times 3) + (5 \times 8) = 15 + 40 = 55$.

Key Concept: Fast Multiplication

b) $2323$
[Solution Description]
We can write $23 \times 101$ as $23 \times (100 + 1)$. Using the distributive property:
$23 \times 101 = 23 \times 100 + 23 \times 1$
Calculating each term:
$2300 + 23 = 2323$
Hence, the product is $2323$.

Key Concept: Distributive Property, Fast Multiplication

a) 24543
[Solution Description]
We can express 101 as $(100 + 1)$. Using the distributive property:
$243 \times 101 = 243 \times (100 + 1) = (243 \times 100) + (243 \times 1) = 24300 + 243 = 24543$

Key Concept: Algebraic Expansion

c) $-12x^2 + 8xy$
[Solution Description]
To simplify $-4x(3x - 2y)$, distribute $-4x$ to each term inside the parentheses:
$-4x \times 3x = -12x^2$
$-4x \times (-2y) = 8xy$
The simplified form is $-12x^2 + 8xy$.

Key Concept: Algebraic Identities

b) $a^2 - 2ab + b^2$
[Solution Description]
Using the identity $(a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2$, we get:
$(a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2$
This matches the algebraic identity perfectly.

Key Concept: Correcting algebraic misconceptions

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that $(4x + 3)^2 = 16x^2 + 24x + 9$, which is correct as it follows the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$. Here, $a = 4x$ and $b = 3$. Applying the identity: $(4x)^2 + 2(4x)(3) + 3^2 = 16x^2 + 24x + 9$. The reason correctly states the formula for expanding $(a + b)^2$ and explains why the assertion is true.

Key Concept: Algebraic Identities

b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is NOT the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that $(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2$, which is true as it represents the difference of squares identity. The reason states that the product of two binomials can be simplified using the distributive property, which is also true. However, the reason does not specifically explain why $(a + b)(a - b)$ equals $a^2 - b^2$; it merely states a general property. Therefore, both are true, but the reason does not correctly explain the assertion.

Key Concept: Simplifying Expressions

b) $5s$
[Solution Description]
First, distribute $\frac{1}{2}$ inside the brackets:
$\frac{1}{2}(10s - 6) = 5s - 3$
Then add 3 to the result:
$5s - 3 + 3 = 5s$
The simplified form is $5s$.

Key Concept: Expanding and Simplifying Expressions

b) $5x + 10$
[Solution Description]
First, distribute the coefficients inside the brackets:
$2(x - 1) = 2x - 2$
$3(x + 4) = 3x + 12$
Now, combine like terms:
$2x - 2 + 3x + 12 = (2x + 3x) + (-2 + 12) = 5x + 10$
The correct simplified form is $5x + 10$.

Key Concept: Number patterns, Algebraic identities

b) $n^2 - (n^2 - 1) = 1$
[Solution Description]
Let the numbers be $(n-1)$, $n$, and $(n+1)$.
Square of middle number: $n^2$
Product of other two: $(n-1)(n+1) = n^2 - 1$
Required expression: $n^2 - (n^2 - 1) = 1$
This shows the result is always 1 regardless of $n$.

Key Concept: Difference of squares, Remainder theorem

c) 5
[Solution Description]
Using remainder theorem:
Let $A = 7k + 3$, $B = 7m + 5$
Using difference of squares:
$A^2 - B^2 = (A+B)(A-B) = (7k+3+7m+5)(7k+3-7m-5) = (7(k+m)+8)(7(k-m)-2)$
When divided by 7:
$(A+B) \equiv 1 \mod 7$ (since 8 mod 7 = 1)
$(A-B) \equiv 5 \mod 7$ (since -2 mod 7 = 5)
Final remainder: $1 \times 5 = 5 \mod 7$

Key Concept: Verification of Identity

c) $4p^2 + 4pq + q^2$
[Solution Description]
Use the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$:
$(2p + q)^2 = (2p)^2 + 2 \times 2p \times q + q^2 = 4p^2 + 4pq + q^2$
The correct expansion is $4p^2 + 4pq + q^2$.

Key Concept: Correcting misconceptions in algebraic expressions

d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that the expansion of $(5m + 6n)^2$ is $25m^2 + 36n^2$. However, this is incorrect because the correct expansion using the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$ gives $25m^2 + 60mn + 36n^2$. The reason states the incorrect identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + b^2$, which is false. Therefore, the assertion is false, and the reason is also false.

Key Concept: Simplification of Expressions

c) $3a + 17$
[Solution Description]
First, expand both terms:
$5(a + 3) = 5a + 15$
$2(a - 1) = 2a - 2$
Now subtract the second expansion from the first:
$(5a + 15) - (2a - 2) = 3a + 17$
The simplified form is $3a + 17$.

Key Concept: Algebraic identities, Error correction

b) $9x^2 + 24xy + 16y^2$
[Solution Description]
Using the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$, we expand $(3x + 4y)^2$ step by step:
$(3x)^2 + 2 \times 3x \times 4y + (4y)^2 = 9x^2 + 24xy + 16y^2$
The mistake was missing the middle term $24xy$.

Key Concept: Square of Sum

c) $16x^2 + 24x + 9$
[Solution Description]
To find $(4x + 3)^2$, we use Identity 1A: $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$. Here, $a = 4x$ and $b = 3$. Applying the identity, we get:
$(4x + 3)^2 = (4x)^2 + 2 \times (4x \times 3) + 3^2 = 16x^2 + 24x + 9.$

Key Concept: Square of Sum Identity

b) $x^2 + 8x + 16$
[Solution Description]
Using the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$, substitute $a = x$ and $b = 4$:
$(x + 4)^2 = x^2 + 2(x)(4) + 4^2 = x^2 + 8x + 16$

Key Concept: Square of Sum Identity

d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
[Solution Description]
Let us analyze the assertion and reason:
1. The assertion claims $(a + b)^2 > a^2 + b^2$ only when both $a$ and $b$ are positive.
2. The reason states that $2ab$ is always non-negative for all integers $a$ and $b$.
Testing the assertion:
- If $a = 2$ and $b = 3$, $(2+3)^2 = 25$ while $2^2 + 3^2 = 13$, so it holds ($25 > 13$).
- If $a = -2$ and $b = -3$, $(-2-3)^2 = 25$ while $(-2)^2 + (-3)^2 = 13$, still $25 > 13$.
- If one is positive and other negative, say $a=2$, $b=-3$, then $(2-3)^2 = 1$ vs $4 + 9 = 13$, now $1 a^2 + b^2$ can be true even when both numbers are negative.
Testing the reason:
- $2ab$ is not always non-negative. Example: $a=1$, $b=-1$ gives $2(1)(-1) = -2$ which is negative.
- Hence, the reason is false.
Therefore, Assertion is false and Reason is also false.

Key Concept: Difference of Squares

c) 2800
[Solution Description]
Using Identity 1C: $(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2$. Here, $a = 107$, $b = 93$.
$107^2 - 93^2 = (107 + 93)(107 - 93) = 200 \times 14 = 2800$

Key Concept: Square of Sum

d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
[Solution Description]
First, calculate the left-hand side: $(3 + 4)^2 = 7^2 = 49$.
Next, apply the formula for the square of the sum: $(3 + 4)^2 = 3^2 + 2(3)(4) + 4^2 = 9 + 24 + 16 = 49$.
Thus, both Assertion and Reason are true.
However, the value in Assertion is incorrect ($25$ instead of $49$), while the Reason correctly states the formula.

Key Concept: Numerical Calculation

c) 625
[Solution Description]
Write $25$ as $(20 + 5)$ and apply $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$:
$25^2 = (20 + 5)^2 = 20^2 + 2(20)(5) + 5^2 = 400 + 200 + 25 = 625$

Key Concept: Square of Sum

c) 7
[Solution Description]
The given expression is $(m + n)^2 = m^2 + 14m + n^2$. Using Identity 1A:
$(m + n)^2 = m^2 + 2mn + n^2.$
Comparing with the given expression, we get:
$2mn = 14m \implies n = \frac{14m}{2m} = 7.$

Key Concept: Square of Difference

c) $25p^2 - 70pq + 49q^2$
[Solution Description]
Using Identity 1B: $(a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2$. Here, $a = 5p$ and $b = 7q$. Substituting into the identity:
$(5p - 7q)^2 = (5p)^2 - 2(5p)(7q) + (7q)^2 = 25p^2 - 70pq + 49q^2$

Key Concept: Square of Sum Application

b) $9y^2 + 42y + 49$
[Solution Description]
Apply the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$ with $a = 3y$ and $b = 7$:
$(3y + 7)^2 = (3y)^2 + 2(3y)(7) + 7^2 = 9y^2 + 42y + 49$

Key Concept: Square of Sum

c) 1369
[Solution Description]
To find $37^2$ using Identity 1A: $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$, decompose 37 as $30 + 7$. Then, apply the identity:
$37^2 = (30 + 7)^2 = 30^2 + 2 \times (30 \times 7) + 7^2 = 900 + 420 + 49 = 1369.$

Key Concept: Square of Sum Identity

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
Let's evaluate the assertion and reason step by step.
1) **Assertion Evaluation**:
Using the given identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$, substitute $a = 3x$ and $b = 4$.
$(3x + 4)^2 = (3x)^2 + 2 \times (3x \times 4) + 4^2 = 9x^2 + 24x + 16$
This matches the assertion, so the assertion is true.
2) **Reason Evaluation**:
The reason states the correct algebraic identity for the square of a binomial: $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$. This is mathematically accurate, so the reason is also true.
3) **Explanation Check**:
The reason correctly explains the assertion because it provides the identity used to derive the expanded form in the assertion. Thus, the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Key Concept: Square of Sum

c) $9x^2 + 24xy + 16y^2$
[Solution Description]
Using Identity 1A: $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$. Here, $a = 3x$ and $b = 4y$. Substituting into the identity:
$(3x + 4y)^2 = (3x)^2 + 2(3x)(4y) + (4y)^2 = 9x^2 + 24xy + 16y^2$

Key Concept: Square of the Sum of Two Numbers

b) $4x^2 + 12xy + 9y^2$
[Solution Description]
To expand $(2x + 3y)^2$, we use the identity:
$(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$
Here, $a = 2x$ and $b = 3y$. Substituting these values into the identity:
$(2x + 3y)^2 = (2x)^2 + 2(2x)(3y) + (3y)^2 = 4x^2 + 12xy + 9y^2$

Key Concept: Square of the Sum, Product of Sum and Difference

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
To solve this Assertion-Reason question, let's evaluate both statements step by step.
1. **Assertion**:
- Calculate $(x + y)^2 = x^2 + 2xy + y^2$.
- Calculate $(x - y)^2 = x^2 - 2xy + y^2$.
- Subtract the second equation from the first:
$(x + y)^2 - (x - y)^2 = (x^2 + 2xy + y^2) - (x^2 - 2xy + y^2) = 4xy$
- Thus, the Assertion is true.
2. **Reason**:
- The Reason correctly states the expansions of $(x + y)^2$ and $(x - y)^2$ using Identity 1A and 2 from the syllabus.
- It also correctly explains why the difference results in $4xy$ by cancellation of $x^2$ and $y^2$ terms.
3. **Conclusion**: Both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

Key Concept: Square of the Difference of Two Numbers

b) $25p^2 - 40pq + 16q^2$
[Solution Description]
Using the identity for the square of the difference:
$(a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2$
Here, $a = 5p$ and $b = 4q$. Substituting these values:
$(5p - 4q)^2 = (5p)^2 - 2(5p)(4q) + (4q)^2 = 25p^2 - 40pq + 16q^2$

Key Concept: Square of the Sum of Two Numbers

d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that $(3x + 4y)^2 = 9x^2 + 16y^2$. Let us verify this using the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$. Here, $a = 3x$ and $b = 4y$. Substituting these values into the identity, we get: $(3x + 4y)^2 = (3x)^2 + 2(3x)(4y) + (4y)^2 = 9x^2 + 24xy + 16y^2$. The assertion misses the middle term $24xy$, so it is false. However, the reason correctly states that the expansion should include the term $24xy$ as per the identity, which makes the reason true. Therefore, Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Key Concept: Special Cases of the Distributive Property

a) $34m^2 - 6mn - 3n^2$
[Solution Description]
First, expand $(5m + 2n)(5m - 2n)$ using the identity $(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2$:
$(5m)^2 - (2n)^2 = 25m^2 - 4n^2$.
Next, expand $(3m - n)^2$ using $(a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2$:
$(3m)^2 - 2 \times 3m \times n + n^2 = 9m^2 - 6mn + n^2$.
Add the two results:
$25m^2 - 4n^2 + 9m^2 - 6mn + n^2 = 34m^2 - 6mn - 3n^2$.
The equivalent expression is $34m^2 - 6mn - 3n^2$.

Key Concept: Special Cases of the Distributive Property

b) $25 - 10y + y^2$
[Solution Description]
Using the identity $(a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2$, where $a = 5$ and $b = y$:
$(5 - y)^2 = 5^2 - 2 \times 5 \times y + y^2 = 25 - 10y + y^2$.
The result is $25 - 10y + y^2$.

Key Concept: Special Cases of the Distributive Property

a) $48xy$
[Solution Description]
First, expand both squares using the identity $(a \pm b)^2 = a^2 \pm 2ab + b^2$.
For $(3x + 4y)^2$:
$(3x)^2 + 2 \times 3x \times 4y + (4y)^2 = 9x^2 + 24xy + 16y^2$.
For $(3x - 4y)^2$:
$(3x)^2 - 2 \times 3x \times 4y + (4y)^2 = 9x^2 - 24xy + 16y^2$.
Now subtract the second expansion from the first:
$(9x^2 + 24xy + 16y^2) - (9x^2 - 24xy + 16y^2) = 48xy$.
The simplified form is $48xy$.

Key Concept: Special Cases of the Distributive Property

a) $x^2 + 6x + 9$
[Solution Description]
Using the identity $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$, where $a = x$ and $b = 3$:
$(x + 3)^2 = x^2 + 2 \times x \times 3 + 3^2 = x^2 + 6x + 9$.
The expanded form is $x^2 + 6x + 9$.

Key Concept: Product of Sum and Difference of Two Numbers

d) $49m^2 - 4n^2$
[Solution Description]
The given expression can be expanded using the identity:
$(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2$
Here, $a = 7m$ and $b = 2n$. Substituting these values:
$(7m + 2n)(7m - 2n) = (7m)^2 - (2n)^2 = 49m^2 - 4n^2$

Key Concept: Special Cases of the Distributive Property

c) $4a^2 - 49$
[Solution Description]
Using the identity $(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2$, where $a = 2a$ and $b = 7$:
$(2a + 7)(2a - 7) = (2a)^2 - 7^2 = 4a^2 - 49$.
The simplified form is $4a^2 - 49$.

Key Concept: Special Cases of the Distributive Property

b) 21
[Solution Description]
Use the identity $(a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2$.
Given $a + b = 7$ and $a - b = 3$, multiply them:
$a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b) = 7 \times 3 = 21$.
The value of $a^2 - b^2$ is $21$.

Key Concept: Square of the Sum of Two Numbers

d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that $(x + y)^2 = x^2 + y^2$, which is incorrect because the correct expansion is $(x + y)^2 = x^2 + 2xy + y^2$ (Identity 1A). The reason claims that the square of the sum equals the sum of squares, which is also false as it misses the $2xy$ term. Thus, Assertion is false but Reason is true.

Key Concept: Algebraic expressions for visual patterns

b) 255
[Solution Description]
To find the number of circles in Step 15, substitute $k = 15$ into the formula:
$k^2 + 2k = 15^2 + 2 \times 15 = 225 + 30 = 255$

Key Concept: Algebraic Expressions, Pattern Recognition

c) 46
[Solution Description]
To find the number of tiles in Step 5, substitute $n = 5$ into the given expression $2n^2 - n + 1$.
Step 1: Substitute $n = 5$ into the expression.
$2(5)^2 - 5 + 1$
Step 2: Calculate $5^2 = 25$.
Step 3: Multiply 2 by 25 to get $50$.
Step 4: Subtract 5 from 50 to get $45$.
Step 5: Add 1 to 45 to get $46$.
Therefore, there are 46 tiles in Step 5.

Key Concept: Area Calculation, Algebraic Identities

c) $(b - a)^2$
[Solution Description]
The problem states that the area of the shaded region can be calculated using two methods:
Method 1: $(a + b)^2 - 4ab$
This represents the total area of the large square minus the area of the four rectangles.
Method 2: $(b - a)^2$
This represents the area of the smaller shaded square formed inside the larger square.
Since both expressions are equivalent as per the given identity, the area of the shaded region can be represented by either $(a + b)^2 - 4ab$ or $(b - a)^2$.

Key Concept: Algebraic Expressions for Visual Patterns

c) 12
[Solution Description]
Using the given formula with n = 4:
$n^2 - n = 4^2 - 4 = 16 - 4 = 12$

Key Concept: Area of Shaded Regions

b) $(x - y)^2$
[Solution Description]
Total area of square is $(x + y)^2 = x^2 + 2xy + y^2$.
Area of four rectangles is $4xy$.
Shaded area = Total area - Rectangle areas = $x^2 + 2xy + y^2 - 4xy = x^2 - 2xy + y^2 = (x - y)^2$

Key Concept: Pattern Recognition, Algebraic Expressions

c) 255
[Solution Description]
To find the number of circles in Step 15, substitute $k = 15$ into the given expression $k^2 + 2k$.
Step 1: Substitute $k = 15$ into the expression.
$(15)^2 + 2(15)$
Step 2: Calculate $15^2 = 225$.
Step 3: Calculate $2 \times 15 = 30$.
Step 4: Add the results from Step 2 and Step 3.
$225 + 30 = 255$.
Therefore, there are 255 circles in Step 15.

Key Concept: Algebraic expressions for visual patterns

b) 15
[Solution Description]
Substitute $x = 5$ and $y = 2$ into the formula:
$x^2 - xy = 5^2 - 5 \times 2 = 25 - 10 = 15$

Key Concept: Algebraic expressions for visual patterns

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that $k^2 + 2k$ correctly represents the number of circles in Step k, which is true as verified by multiple methods in the syllabus. The reason states that all simplified forms of different algebraic expressions for this pattern lead to the same expression, which is also true and explains why the assertion is correct because all valid interpretations converge to the same algebraic form.

Key Concept: Algebraic expressions for visual patterns

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that the expression $k^2 + 2k$ correctly gives the number of circles in Step $k$ of the pattern. This is verified by the fact that all four different methods (Method 1: $(k + 1)^2 - 1$, Method 2: $k^2 + 2 \times k$, Method 3: $k \times (k + 1) + k$, and Method 4: $k \times (k + 2)$) simplify to the same expression $k^2 + 2k$. Therefore, both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains why the Assertion is true.

Key Concept: Algebraic Expressions for Visual Patterns

c) 35
[Solution Description]
To find the number of circles in step 5, we substitute k = 5 into the given formula:
$k^2 + 2k = 5^2 + 2(5) = 25 + 10 = 35$

Key Concept: Algebraic expressions for visual patterns, Multiple methods

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
To verify the assertion, we substitute $k = 15$ into the given expression $k^2 + 2k$. Calculation: $15^2 + 2 \times 15 = 225 + 30 = 255$. Thus, the assertion is true. The reason states that all four methods lead to the same expression $k^2 + 2k$, which is correct as shown in the syllabus. Moreover, the reason correctly explains why the assertion holds because the unified expression derived from all methods allows us to compute the number of circles accurately.

Key Concept: Algebraic expressions for visual patterns

c) 16
[Solution Description]
Substitute $m = 3$ and $n = 7$ into the formula:
$(n - m)^2 = (7 - 3)^2 = 4^2 = 16$

Key Concept: Expansion of Algebraic Expressions

c) $ab - 2a + 4b - 8$
[Solution Description]
Using the formula for expanding $(a + m)(b - n) = ab - an + bm - mn$:
$(a + 4)(b - 2) = ab - 2a + 4b - 8$

Key Concept: Increments in Products

c) 70
[Solution Description]
According to increments in products, if one number is increased by 1, the product increases by the other number. For $7 \times 9$, increasing 9 by 1 gives:
$7 \times (9 + 1) = 7 \times 9 + 7 = 63 + 7 = 70$

Key Concept: Distributive Property of Multiplication over Addition

c) $5x + 15$
[Solution Description]
The distributive property states that $a(b + c) = ab + ac$. Applying this to $5(x + 3)$, we multiply 5 with both terms inside the parentheses:
$5(x + 3) = 5 \times x + 5 \times 3 = 5x + 15$

Key Concept: Identity Application, Expansion with Subtraction

b) $xy + 2x - 5y - 10$
[Solution Description]
To expand $(x - 5)(y + 2)$, we use the distributive property:
$(x - 5)(y + 2) = x(y + 2) - 5(y + 2)$
We further distribute:
$xy + 2x - 5y - 10$
Thus, the expanded form is $xy + 2x - 5y - 10$.

Key Concept: Increments in Products

b) $ab - a + b - 1$
[Solution Description]
Using the distributive property:
$(a + 1)(b - 1) = a \cdot b + a \cdot (-1) + 1 \cdot b + 1 \cdot (-1)$
Simplifying:
$ab - a + b - 1$

Key Concept: Distributive Property

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion (A) claims that $(a + 1)(b - 1) = ab + b - a - 1$. Let us verify this using the distributive property mentioned in reason (R). Expanding $(a + 1)(b - 1)$ using the distributive property:
Step 1: Apply the distributive property: $(a + 1)(b - 1) = a(b) + a(-1) + 1(b) + 1(-1)$.
Step 2: Simplify each term: $ab - a + b - 1$.
Step 3: Combine like terms: $ab + b - a - 1$.
This matches the assertion, so assertion (A) is true. The reason (R) correctly states the general form of the distributive property, and it is the correct explanation for assertion (A). Therefore, both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion.

Key Concept: General Case for Increments

a) $10 + 5m + 2n + mn$
[Solution Description]
Using the general case formula for increments:
$(2 + m)(5 + n) = 2 \cdot 5 + m \cdot 5 + 2 \cdot n + m \cdot n$
Simplifying:
$10 + 5m + 2n + mn$

Key Concept: Distributive Property of Multiplication over Addition

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The Assertion demonstrates the distributive property: $3 \times (4 + 5) = 3 \times 9 = 27$ and $3 \times 4 + 3 \times 5 = 12 + 15 = 27$. Both are equal, so the Assertion is true. The Reason correctly explains the distributive property used in the Assertion. Therefore, both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

Key Concept: Distributive Property and Increments in Products

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that $(a + 3)(b - 2)$ expands to $ab - 2a + 3b - 6$, which is correct based on the distributive property. The reason states the general identity $(a + m)(b - n) = ab - an + bm - mn$, where substituting $m = 3$ and $n = 2$ gives the same result as the assertion. Both are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion.

Key Concept: Distributive Property, Increments in Products

a) $4a + 3b + 12$
[Solution Description]
To find how much $(a + 3)(b + 4)$ exceeds $ab$, we first expand the expression using the distributive property:
$(a + 3)(b + 4) = ab + 4a + 3b + 12$
The excess is calculated by subtracting the original product $ab$:
$(ab + 4a + 3b + 12) - ab = 4a + 3b + 12$
Therefore, the product increases by $4a + 3b + 12$.

Key Concept: Increments in Products, Complex Multiplication

a) $-2p + 3q - 6$
[Solution Description]
The new product after increasing $p$ by 3 and decreasing $q$ by 2 is $(p + 3)(q - 2)$. Expanding this using the distributive property:
$(p + 3)(q - 2) = pq - 2p + 3q - 6$
To find the increase, subtract the original product $pq$:
$(pq - 2p + 3q - 6) - pq = -2p + 3q - 6$
The increase is $-2p + 3q - 6$. Note that a negative increase implies a decrease.

Key Concept: Distributive Property

b) $3v - 3u + uv - 9$
[Solution Description]
To expand $(3 + u)(v - 3)$, we apply the distributive property:
$(3 + u)(v - 3) = 3 \cdot v + 3 \cdot (-3) + u \cdot v + u \cdot (-3)$
Simplifying each term:
$3v - 9 + uv - 3u$
Rearranging terms:
$3v - 3u + uv - 9$

Key Concept: Pattern and Algebraic Expression

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
[Solution Description]
The assertion states that the expression $k^2 + 2k$ correctly gives the number of circles at any step $k$ in the pattern. This is true as verified by all four methods (Method 1: $(k + 1)^2 - 1$, Method 2: $k^2 + 2 \times k$, Method 3: $k \times (k + 1) + k$, and Method 4: $k \times (k + 2)$), which simplify to $k^2 + 2k$. Thus, the assertion is true.
The reason states that all four methods lead to the same simplified form $k^2 + 2k$. This is also true, as shown in the syllabus. Moreover, the reason correctly explains why the assertion is true because the equivalence of all methods confirms the validity of the expression $k^2 + 2k$ for the pattern.
Therefore, both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.