2(x+y) and (x+y)^2

Answer 1

Hello Brianna,

I'll assume you are being asked what is the difference in these two expressions. If not, sorry.

2(x+y) and (x+y)^2

2(x+y) = 2x +2y

while

(x+y)² = (x+y)*(x+y)

this is equal to x² + 2xy + y²

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You can see that for any values of x and y that the two expressions would yield completely different answers.

This is why writing equations depends on being clear on the operations intended for the equation. For example, x² is not x2.

Parentheses are particularly important. They group terms so that there is no ambiguity as to what is meant. For example,

5*5/5*6 can be interpreted as

a. 25/30 = 5/6, or

b. 5*1*6 = 30

This might be a bit of problem when setting course for the Mars rover or for calculating a grade. Use parentheses:

(5*5)/(5*6) for the first, and

5*(5/5)*6 for the second

Bob