How do I find the square of a binomial?

1 Answer
Elizabeth P.
Oct 20, 2014

Finding the square of a binomial can be done by using the Distributive Property or FOIL. FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last. There also is a definition in which (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 or (a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2

Example:
(4x + 3)^2
(4x + 3)(4x + 3)

Distributive Property:
4x(4x + 3) + 3(4x + 3)
16x^2 + 12x + 12x + 9
16x^2 + 24x + 9 (Proves the a^2 + 2ab + b^2)

FOIL:
(4x + 3)(4x + 3)
F: 4x4x
O: 4x3
I: 34x
L: 33
4x*4x + 4x*3 + 3*4x + 3*3
16x^2 + 12x + 12x + 9
16x^2 + 24x + 9

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