Exponent Question

[KFreudenberg]

(1001^2 - 999^2) / (101^2 - 99^2) = ?

I have the answer for the above problem, but could use some guidance on an easy way to find this answer.

Thanks!!

[gmatjedi]

as follows:
=(1001^2 - 999^2) / (101^2 - 99^2)
=[(1001-999)(1001+999)]/[(101-99)(101+99)]
=[(2*2000)]/[(2*200)]
=10

[KFreudenberg]

ah! this is helpful..

for anyone else the rule is: x^2 - y^2 = (x - y)(x + y)