(3x-4)^2 Expanded Form

2 min read Jun 16, 2024
(3x-4)^2 Expanded Form

Expanding (3x-4)^2

The expression (3x-4)^2 represents the square of the binomial (3x-4). To expand this, we can use the FOIL method or the square of a binomial pattern.

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: (3x) * (3x) = 9x^2
  • Outer: (3x) * (-4) = -12x
  • Inner: (-4) * (3x) = -12x
  • Last: (-4) * (-4) = 16

Adding all the terms together, we get:

9x^2 - 12x - 12x + 16

Finally, combining like terms, we obtain the expanded form:

(3x-4)^2 = 9x^2 - 24x + 16

Using the Square of a Binomial Pattern

The square of a binomial pattern states that (a-b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2. Applying this pattern to our expression:

  • a = 3x
  • b = 4

Substituting into the pattern, we get:

(3x)^2 - 2(3x)(4) + (4)^2

Simplifying, we get:

9x^2 - 24x + 16

Therefore, both methods lead to the same expanded form: (3x-4)^2 = 9x^2 - 24x + 16.

Related Post


Featured Posts