Simplifying the Expression (x-1)² - (x+3)(x-3)
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the algebraic expression (x-1)² - (x+3)(x-3).
Understanding the Concepts
Before we begin, let's refresh some important algebraic concepts:
- Squaring a Binomial: (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²
- Difference of Squares: (a + b)(a - b) = a² - b²
Simplifying the Expression
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Expand the first term: (x - 1)² = x² - 2x + 1
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Expand the second term (using Difference of Squares): (x + 3)(x - 3) = x² - 9
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Substitute the expanded terms back into the original expression: x² - 2x + 1 - (x² - 9)
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Distribute the negative sign: x² - 2x + 1 - x² + 9
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Combine like terms: -2x + 10
Final Result
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (x-1)² - (x+3)(x-3) is -2x + 10.