Simplifying (2x - 3y)^2
This article will guide you through the steps of simplifying the expression (2x - 3y)^2.
Understanding the Concept
The expression (2x - 3y)^2 represents the square of the binomial (2x - 3y). This means the expression is multiplied by itself.
Therefore:
(2x - 3y)^2 = (2x - 3y) * (2x - 3y)
Applying the FOIL Method
To simplify this, we can use the FOIL method, which stands for:
- First
- Outer
- Inner
- Last
This method helps us to multiply each term in the first binomial by each term in the second binomial.
Steps for Simplification
-
Multiply the First terms: 2x * 2x = 4x^2
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Multiply the Outer terms: 2x * -3y = -6xy
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Multiply the Inner terms: -3y * 2x = -6xy
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Multiply the Last terms: -3y * -3y = 9y^2
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Combine the terms: 4x^2 - 6xy - 6xy + 9y^2
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Simplify by combining like terms: 4x^2 - 12xy + 9y^2
Final Result
Therefore, the simplified form of (2x - 3y)^2 is 4x^2 - 12xy + 9y^2.