Simplifying the Expression (5 + 6b^3)^2
This expression involves a binomial (an expression with two terms) raised to the power of 2. To simplify it, we can use the square of a binomial formula:
(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2
Let's apply this to our expression:
Step 1: Identify 'a' and 'b'
In our expression, (5 + 6b^3)^2:
- a = 5
- b = 6b^3
Step 2: Substitute into the formula
(5 + 6b^3)^2 = 5^2 + 2(5)(6b^3) + (6b^3)^2
Step 3: Simplify
(5 + 6b^3)^2 = 25 + 60b^3 + 36b^6
Therefore, the simplified form of (5 + 6b^3)^2 is 25 + 60b^3 + 36b^6.
Note: It's important to remember that the exponent applies to the entire expression inside the parentheses. This means that both the 5 and the 6b^3 are squared.