Expanding (7-k^4)^2
The expression (7-k^4)^2 represents the square of the binomial (7-k^4). To expand this, we can use the FOIL method or the square of a binomial formula.
Using the FOIL Method
FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last. This method helps us multiply two binomials.
- First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial: 7 * 7 = 49
- Outer: Multiply the outer terms of the binomials: 7 * (-k^4) = -7k^4
- Inner: Multiply the inner terms of the binomials: (-k^4) * 7 = -7k^4
- Last: Multiply the last terms of each binomial: (-k^4) * (-k^4) = k^8
Now, add all the terms together:
49 - 7k^4 - 7k^4 + k^8
Combining like terms, we get the final expanded form:
k^8 - 14k^4 + 49
Using the Square of a Binomial Formula
The square of a binomial formula states: (a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2
In our case, a = 7 and b = k^4
Applying the formula, we get:
(7 - k^4)^2 = 7^2 - 2(7)(k^4) + (k^4)^2
Simplifying the expression:
k^8 - 14k^4 + 49
Both methods lead to the same expanded form of (7-k^4)^2: k^8 - 14k^4 + 49. This expression is a quadratic in terms of k^4.