Question

How do you simplify `(3x^ 2a - 4y az ^3a) ^2`?

Answer 1

`(3ax^2-4a^2yz^3)^2=9a^2x^4-24a^3x^2yz^3+16a^4y^2z^6`

Explanation:

First simplify how the expression is written:

`(3x^2a-4yaz^3a)^2` is better written as `(3ax^2-4a^2yz^3)^2`

We write pronumerals in alphabetical order and collect them together.

Now use the FOIL (firsts, outers, inners, lasts) to multiply:

`(3ax^2-4a^2yz^3) = (3ax^2-4a^2yz^3)(3ax^2-4a^2yz^3)`
`=9a^2x^4-12a^3x^2yz^3-12a^3x^2yz^3+16a^4y^2z^6`
`=9a^2x^4-24a^3x^2yz^3+16a^4y^2z^6`