Simplifying (y - 7)^2
The expression (y - 7)^2 represents the square of the binomial (y - 7). To simplify it, we can use the following steps:
Understanding the Concept
The expression (y - 7)^2 is equivalent to multiplying (y - 7) by itself:
(y - 7)^2 = (y - 7) * (y - 7)
Expanding the Expression
We can use the distributive property (also known as FOIL) to expand the expression:
- First: y * y = y^2
- Outer: y * -7 = -7y
- Inner: -7 * y = -7y
- Last: -7 * -7 = 49
Combining the terms, we get:
y^2 - 7y - 7y + 49
Simplifying the Result
Finally, we combine the like terms:
y^2 - 14y + 49
Final Answer
Therefore, the simplified form of (y - 7)^2 is y^2 - 14y + 49.