Set m contains the values {-12, - 7, 4, 11} and set n contains the values {-3,2,8}. What is the greatest possible difference of m^2 - n^2?

A. 76

B. 117

C. 140

D. 153

C. 140

Step-by-step explanation:

We want m^2 to be the largest value it can be, so ignoring the sign of m the largest value of |m| is 12

(-12) ^2 = 144 which is the largest value of m^2

We want n^2 to be the smallest it can be, so ignoring the sign of n the smallest value of |n| is 2

(2) ^2 = 4

m^2 - n^2

144-4 = 140