Expanding (x+9)(x+9)
The expression (x+9)(x+9) represents the product of two identical binomials. This is often called squaring a binomial. We can expand this expression using the distributive property or the FOIL method.
Using the Distributive Property
The distributive property states that a(b+c) = ab + ac. We can apply this twice to expand the expression:
- Distribute the first term: (x+9)(x+9) = x(x+9) + 9(x+9)
- Distribute again: x(x+9) + 9(x+9) = x² + 9x + 9x + 81
Finally, combine like terms:
x² + 9x + 9x + 81 = x² + 18x + 81
Using the FOIL Method
FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last. This mnemonic helps remember the steps for multiplying two binomials:
- First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial: x * x = x²
- Outer: Multiply the outer terms of each binomial: x * 9 = 9x
- Inner: Multiply the inner terms of each binomial: 9 * x = 9x
- Last: Multiply the last terms of each binomial: 9 * 9 = 81
Add all the terms together: x² + 9x + 9x + 81 = x² + 18x + 81
Conclusion
Both the distributive property and the FOIL method lead to the same result: (x+9)(x+9) = x² + 18x + 81. This expanded form is a trinomial with a leading coefficient of 1 and a constant term of 81.