Probability and Counting Theory: Background You’ll Need 1

  • Expand squared and cubed binomials

Expanding Squared Binomials

When we square a binomial like [latex](a + b)^2[/latex], we’re multiplying [latex](a + b)(a + b)[/latex].

Expand [latex](x + 4)^2[/latex].

Perfect square trinomials glossary: expressions like [latex]x^2 + 8x + 16[/latex] that result from squaring binomials follow the pattern [latex](a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2[/latex]. This pattern can save time!

Expanding Cubed Binomials

When we cube a binomial like [latex](a + b)^3[/latex], we multiply [latex](a + b)(a + b)(a + b)[/latex].

Expand [latex](x + 2)^3[/latex].