Understanding (x + y)²: A Simple Explanation
The expression (x + y)² is a common algebraic term that often causes confusion for students. It represents the square of the sum of two variables, x and y. In simpler terms, it means multiplying the entire sum (x + y) by itself.
Expanding the Expression
To find the answer, we need to expand the expression:
(x + y)² = (x + y) * (x + y)
Now, we use the distributive property to multiply each term in the first bracket by each term in the second bracket:
(x + y) * (x + y) = x * (x + y) + y * (x + y)
Expanding further:
x * (x + y) + y * (x + y) = x² + xy + xy + y²
Finally, we combine the like terms:
x² + xy + xy + y² = x² + 2xy + y²
The Key Point:
The expansion of (x + y)² gives us x² + 2xy + y². This formula is essential for solving various algebraic problems.
Example:
Let's say x = 2 and y = 3. We can substitute these values into our expanded formula:
(2)² + 2(2)(3) + (3)² = 4 + 12 + 9 = 25
Therefore, (x + y)² = 25 when x = 2 and y = 3.
Remember:
Always remember the distributive property and practice expanding similar expressions. Understanding this basic formula is crucial for mastering more complex algebraic concepts.