What is the purpose of using fraction strips and a 1 strip?

Factor completely. x^8 - 1/81 a) (x^4 + 1/9)(x^2 + 1/3)(x^2 - 1/3) b) (x^4 - 1/9)(x^2 + 1/3)(x^2 - 1/3) c) (x^4 + 1/9)(x^2 - 1/3)2

Which of these choices show a pair of equivalent expressions?

Acar started driving from city a to city b, distance between which is 620 miles, at a rate of 60 mph. two hours later a truck left city b and started moving towards city a at a rate of 40 mph. what distance from city a is the point where the truck and the car will meet?