Algebra: Notable Products
The square of a sum or a difference
Notable products are particular cases of the banana method, which are used so regularly that they take a special place.
Square of a sum
For the square of a sum we have: \[(\blue a+\green b)^2=\blue a^2+2\blue a \green b+\green b^2\] |
Example \[\begin{array}{rcl} (\blue{x}+\green{3})^2 &=& \blue{x}^2 + 2 \blue{x}\cdot \green{3} + \green{3}^2 \\ &=& x^2 + 6 x + 9 \end{array}\] |
Square of a difference
For the square of a difference, we have: \[(\blue a-\green b)^2=\blue a^2-2\blue a \green b+\green b^2\] |
Example \[\begin{array}{rcl} (\blue{x}-\green{3})^2 &=& \blue{x}^2 - 2 \blue{x}\cdot \green{3} + \green{3}^2 \\ &=& x^2 - 6 x + 9 \end{array}\] |
#81a^2-72a+16#
#\begin{array}{rclcl}(9a-4)^2&=&(9a)^2+2\cdot (9a)\cdot -4+(-4)^2\\&&\phantom{xxx}\blue{\text{sum formula for squares}}\\&=&81a^2-72a+16\\&&\phantom{xxx}\blue{\text{reduced}}\end {array}#
#\begin{array}{rclcl}(9a-4)^2&=&(9a)^2+2\cdot (9a)\cdot -4+(-4)^2\\&&\phantom{xxx}\blue{\text{sum formula for squares}}\\&=&81a^2-72a+16\\&&\phantom{xxx}\blue{\text{reduced}}\end {array}#
Unlock full access
Teacher access
Request a demo account. We will help you get started with our digital learning environment.
Student access
Is your university not a partner?
Get access to our courses via Pass Your Math independent of your university. See pricing and more.
Or visit omptest.org if jou are taking an OMPT exam.
Or visit omptest.org if jou are taking an OMPT exam.