Select the product of (3x - 2)(3x - 2)

Question

Select the product of (3x - 2)(3x - 2)

Answer 1

Trisha -

You can solve this by distributing (sometimes called FOIL-ing) FOIL stands for First, Outside, Inside, Last. 

 

First terms: 3x * 3X = 9x²

Outside terms: 3x * -2 = -6x

Inside terms: 3x * -2 = -6x

Last terms (-2) * (-2) = +4 

 

now collect like terms and write in standard form 

 

9x² - 12x  +4  

 

You may also notice that since the two terms that we are multiplying are alike, we can call this a perfect square: (3x -2)².

 

I hope that helps. Always watch your signs when you are distributing!