Question

If $a$ and $b$ are positive integers such that $a^2 - b^2$ is a prime number, then $a^2 - b^2$ is

• A. $a+b$
• B. $a - b$
• C. $ab$
• D. 1

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$a+b$

Answer 2

$a$ and $b$ are positive integers and $a^2 - b^2$ is a prime number.
Since, $a^2 - b^2 = (a+ b) (a - b)$ product of two numbers.
$\therefore$ Either $a + b = 1$ or $a - b = 1$
Case I : $a + b = 1 \Rightarrow$ Either $a = 0$ or $b = 0$ then $a^2 - b^2 = 1$ or $-1$
which is not a prime number.
$\therefore$ This case is not possible
Case II : $a - b = 1 \rightarrow a$ and $b$ can be taken anything with $b < a$.
ln this case $a^2 - b^2 = a + b$ is a prime number.
$\therefore \:\:\: a^2 - b^2 = a + b.$