How do you multiply #(x - 1)^2#?

1 Answer
Mar 14, 2018

#x^2-2x+1#

Explanation:

This is a fixed identity, these types of expressions, knowing the theory behind them, can be multiplied easily without any calculations.

For example, let's say you have the expression #(x+y)^2#
It becomes: #x^2+2xy+y^2#

If you have #(x-y)^2#
It becomes: #x^2-2xy+y^2#

You can see the pattern, you can learn it by heart, it is always the same in these cases.

But to explain you why the result is what it is:

#(x-1)^2#
#(x-1)*(x-1)#
#x*x-1*x-1*x-1*(-1)#
#x^2-x-x+1#
#x^2-2x+1#