Understanding (4n)^2
The expression (4n)^2 represents the square of the quantity 4n. Let's break down what this means and how to simplify it.
What is Squaring?
Squaring a number means multiplying it by itself. For example:
- 2^2 = 2 * 2 = 4
- 5^2 = 5 * 5 = 25
Simplifying (4n)^2
In the case of (4n)^2, we are squaring the entire term 4n. This means we need to multiply it by itself:
(4n)^2 = (4n) * (4n)
To simplify this, we use the distributive property of multiplication:
- 4n * 4n = 16n^2
Therefore, (4n)^2 simplifies to 16n^2.
Key Points to Remember
- Order of operations: Remember to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) when dealing with exponents.
- Exponents apply to the entire term: The exponent applies to the entire term inside the parentheses, not just the variable.
This understanding of squaring and applying it to expressions like (4n)^2 is crucial for simplifying equations and solving mathematical problems.