Expanding (4t + 3)²
In algebra, expanding an expression means rewriting it without any parentheses. This is often done using the distributive property or by recognizing a pattern. Let's explore how to expand (4t + 3)².
Using the Distributive Property
The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. We can apply this property to expand (4t + 3)²:
- Rewrite (4t + 3)² as (4t + 3)(4t + 3).
- Apply the distributive property:
- (4t + 3)(4t + 3) = 4t(4t + 3) + 3(4t + 3)
- Distribute again:
- 4t(4t + 3) + 3(4t + 3) = 16t² + 12t + 12t + 9
- Combine like terms:
- 16t² + 12t + 12t + 9 = 16t² + 24t + 9
Using the Pattern (a + b)²
Another way to expand (4t + 3)² is to recognize the pattern (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²
- Identify a and b: In this case, a = 4t and b = 3.
- Substitute into the pattern:
- (4t)² + 2(4t)(3) + (3)²
- Simplify:
- 16t² + 24t + 9
The Result
Both methods lead us to the same expanded form of (4t + 3)²: 16t² + 24t + 9.