Trigonometry Help? Please? Anyone?

So I've got pretty simple stuff for homework that four months ago I could have done in a heartbeat. But now my brain is all fuzzy and I needs help. The sad thing is that this isn't even Trig. We're just reviewing Algebra from last year. :[

(x^a + y^b) (x^a - y^b)

Mahh. Do I make the x^a * x^a into x^2a or x^a^2 which I'm not sure is allowed. I mean, an exponent on an exponent? No.


But er, yeah. If you have ANY idea what I should do in this dilemma, please help me. Thanks! BAI.

Keep in mind that when you multiply variables with exponents, you add the exponents together. a + a = 2a, so your answer would be x^2a.

And you can have exponents on exponents, but that's nasty math stuff that comes in way later on. XD

Thanks. :] My math teacher explained it like yesterday, but thanks anyway!