Algebraic Identity 3709A1

1. **State the problem:** We need to find the value of $96 \times 104$ using an algebraic identity. 2. **Formula used:** We use the identity for the product of two numbers close to a base number $a$: $$ (a - b)(a + b) = a^2 - b^2 $$ 3. **Apply the identity:** Here, $a = 100$, $b = 4$ because $96 = 100 - 4$ and $104 = 100 + 4$. 4. **Calculate:** $$ 96 \times 104 = (100 - 4)(100 + 4) = 100^2 - 4^2 $$ 5. **Simplify:** $$ 100^2 - 4^2 = 10000 - 16 = 9984 $$ 6. **Answer:** The value of $96 \times 104$ is $9984$. Therefore, the correct choice is **a) 9984**.