Negative bases with an even exponent will have a value that is positive or negative?

The sum of two numbers is 86, and their difference is 20. find the two numbers

Factor k2 - 17k + 16. a.(k - 2)(k - 8) b.(k - 1)(k + 16) c.(k - 1)(k - 16)

Do more republicans (group a) than democrats (group b) favor a bill to make it easier for someone to own a firearm? two hundred republicans and two hundred democrats were asked if they favored a bill that made it easier for someone to own a firearm. how would we write the alternative hypothesis?