Expanding (x-6)^2
Expanding a squared binomial like (x-6)^2 can be done using the FOIL method or by recognizing the square of a difference pattern.
Using FOIL Method
FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last. This method helps to multiply each term in the first binomial by each term in the second binomial.
- First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial: x * x = x^2
- Outer: Multiply the outer terms of each binomial: x * -6 = -6x
- Inner: Multiply the inner terms of each binomial: -6 * x = -6x
- Last: Multiply the last terms of each binomial: -6 * -6 = 36
Now, add all the terms together: x^2 - 6x - 6x + 36
Finally, combine like terms: x^2 - 12x + 36
Using the Square of a Difference Pattern
The square of a difference pattern states that (a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2
- Square the first term: x^2
- Multiply the two terms and double the result: 2 * x * -6 = -12x
- Square the second term: (-6)^2 = 36
Combine the results: x^2 - 12x + 36
Therefore, the expanded form of (x-6)^2 is x^2 - 12x + 36.