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SIMPLIFYING  (a + b)2  and  (a - b)2 

Jump right to the exercises!

Here are two very important and common expressions:

(a + b)2 = (a + b)(a + b) = a2 + ab + ab + b2 = a2 + 2ab + b2

(a - b)2 = (a - b)(a - b) = a2 - ab - ab + b2 = a2 - 2ab + b2

You should (eventually) be able to multiply out expressions like these without writing down any intermediate results.

Be careful! One of the most common algebra mistakes is to think that  (a + b)2  is equal to  a2 + b2 .
NOT SO!!!
You've got the Firsts ("F") and the Lasts ("L") but have left out the Outers ("O") and the Inners ("I")!

EXAMPLES
Remember to use the "^" key for exponents.

(x - 2)2 = x^2 - 4x + 4
You MUST type the terms in the order indicated here for your answer to be recognized as correct.
That is, even though  4 - 4x + x^2  is a correct answer, it isn't recognized as correct by this program.

(3x + y)2 = 9x^2 + 6xy + y^2
Variables MUST be typed in the order they appear, going from left to right, for your answer to be recognized as correct.
That is, even though  9x^2 + 6yx + y^2  is a correct answer, it isn't recognized as correct by this program.

 
Click on "new problem" to get started!


Simplify:


Put your answer here:


Click here or press "tab" to check your answer:


When you're ready to time yourself, use these buttons.
When you "end timing," you'll get a summary sheet of your results. Good luck!
     


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One Mathematical Cat, Please! A First Course in Algebra
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