Simplifying the Expression: (x+1)^2 - 2(2x-1)(1+x) + 4x^2 - 4x + 1
This article explores the simplification of the given algebraic expression: (x+1)^2 - 2(2x-1)(1+x) + 4x^2 - 4x + 1.
Expanding the Expression
First, we can expand the squared terms and the product of binomials:
- (x+1)^2 = x^2 + 2x + 1
- (2x-1)(1+x) = 2x + 2x^2 - 1 - x = 2x^2 + x - 1
Now, let's substitute these expansions back into the original expression:
(x^2 + 2x + 1) - 2(2x^2 + x - 1) + 4x^2 - 4x + 1
Simplifying by Distribution and Combining Like Terms
Next, distribute the -2:
x^2 + 2x + 1 - 4x^2 - 2x + 2 + 4x^2 - 4x + 1
Finally, combine like terms:
(x^2 - 4x^2 + 4x^2) + (2x - 2x - 4x) + (1 + 2 + 1)
This simplifies to:
x^2 - 4x + 4
Conclusion
The simplified form of the expression (x+1)^2 - 2(2x-1)(1+x) + 4x^2 - 4x + 1 is x^2 - 4x + 4.
This simplified expression can be further factored as (x-2)^2. This demonstrates the usefulness of algebraic simplification in reducing complex expressions to their simplest forms, often revealing valuable insights into their structure and properties.