Accuplacer Advanced Algebra and Functions Practice Exam

To find the value of \( a^2 + b^2 \) when \( a = 4 \) and \( b = 5 \), start by calculating \( a^2 \) and \( b^2 \).

First, compute \( a^2 \):

\[

a^2 = 4^2 = 16

\]

Next, compute \( b^2 \):

\[

b^2 = 5^2 = 25

\]

Now, add these two results together:

\[

a^2 + b^2 = 16 + 25 = 41

\]

Therefore, the correct value of \( a^2 + b^2 \) when \( a = 4 \) and \( b = 5 \) is 41. This shows that the calculations were done correctly based on the equations for squaring each variable and then summing them up.