a^2-b^2 can be written as (a+b)(a-b)
since a^2-b^2 is prime ..either (a+b) or (a-b) will be equal to 1..that too must be noted that the other one should be prime as well ...(bcos a and b are +ve integers)
hence two pts are clear...
1. one among (a+b) or (a-b) is equal to 1.
2. the other is prime...
Now...a and b are +ve integers...only (a-b) can be equalled to 1 ..and not (a+b)..
This does it ...
a^2 -b^2 =(a-b)(a+b)
=(1)(a+b)
=(a+b)
nice question ...!!