Expanding (2x + 5)^2
The expression (2x + 5)^2 represents the square of the binomial (2x + 5). To expand this expression, we can use the FOIL method or the square of a binomial formula.
Using the FOIL Method
FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last. This method involves multiplying each term in the first binomial by each term in the second binomial:
- First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial: (2x) * (2x) = 4x^2
- Outer: Multiply the outer terms of the binomials: (2x) * (5) = 10x
- Inner: Multiply the inner terms of the binomials: (5) * (2x) = 10x
- Last: Multiply the last terms of each binomial: (5) * (5) = 25
Now, combine the results and simplify: 4x^2 + 10x + 10x + 25 = 4x^2 + 20x + 25
Using the Square of a Binomial Formula
The square of a binomial formula states that (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2. We can apply this formula to our expression:
- Identify a and b: In our case, a = 2x and b = 5.
- Substitute into the formula: (2x)^2 + 2(2x)(5) + (5)^2
- Simplify: 4x^2 + 20x + 25
Therefore, expanding (2x + 5)^2 using either method results in the same answer: 4x^2 + 20x + 25.