Simplifying the Expression: (x^2 + 8)^2 - 36x^2
This expression looks complicated, but we can simplify it using basic algebraic manipulations. Here's how we can approach it:
Expanding the Square
First, let's expand the squared term:
(x^2 + 8)^2 = (x^2 + 8)(x^2 + 8)
Using the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last), we get:
(x^2 + 8)^2 = x^4 + 8x^2 + 8x^2 + 64
Simplifying:
(x^2 + 8)^2 = x^4 + 16x^2 + 64
Combining Terms
Now, let's substitute this back into the original expression:
(x^2 + 8)^2 - 36x^2 = (x^4 + 16x^2 + 64) - 36x^2
Finally, combine the x^2 terms:
**(x^4 + 16x^2 + 64) - 36x^2 = ** x^4 - 20x^2 + 64
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (x^2 + 8)^2 - 36x^2 is x^4 - 20x^2 + 64.