Help ASAP!!!!!!!!!!

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latresa31s

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Sep 4, 2005
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Use the formula for a binomial squared to multiply

[(3/5)x + (1/4)]^2

I have stated on this problem but I don't think I am doing it right or I have missed a step.

can I get some help.
 
I'm sorry, but we can't help you correct your work until you post it. Please reply with the formula you're supposed to be using, and the steps you have tried. Thank you.

Eliz.
 
Use the formula for a binomial squared to multiply

[(3/5)x + (1/4)]^2

=(3/5) +(2) +(3/5)(1/4) +(1/4)^2

=9/25 + 120/20 + 1/8
 
What happened to the variable?

What is the formula that you're supposed to be using?

Eliz.
 
The formula you have posted is for factoring a difference of squares, not for squaring a binomial: (a + b)<sup>2</sup> is not at all the same thing as a<sup>2</sup> - b<sup>2</sup>.

Eliz.
 
latresa, you're giving me a headache just reading your posts!

SLOW DOWN AND LISTEN! OR SHUT UP :)

OK: give me the answer to (a + b)^2
 
latresa31s said:
(a+b)^2
(a*a)
(b*b) =ab
Click to expand...

a resounding NO! No wonder you're lost with [(3/5)x + (1/4)]^2

(a+b)^2 means (a+b) times (a+b) :
multiply the a in left brackets by the 2nd bracket;
that's a times (a+b) = a^2 + ab.

now multiply the b in left brackets by the 2nd bracket;
that's b times (a+b) = ab + b^2

so you now have a^2 + ab + ab + b^2 which equals a^2 + 2ab + b^2;
do you FINALLY see that?
 
Thanks for explaining that for me. I am having such a hard time with this. I am an online student and It is hard taking algebra without a class room teacher.
 
ok..ok..sounds like you're REALLY trying; let's do yours the same way:
[(3/5)x + (1/4)]^2

[(3/5)x + (1/4)]^2 means (3x/5 + 1/4) times (3x/5 + 1/4)
note that (3/5)x is same as 3x/5

multiply 3x/5 by (3x/5 + 1/4):
3x/5 * (3x/5) = 9x^2 / 25
3x/5 * (1/4) = 3x / 20
so we have 9x^2/25 + 3x/20 [1]

multiply 1/4 by (3x/5 + 1/4):
1/4 * (3x/5) = 3x / 20
1/4 * (1/4) = 1 / 16
so we have 3x/20 + 1/16 [2]

now we put [1] and [2] together:
9x^2/25 + 3x/20 + 3x/20 + 1/16
= 9x^2/25 + 2(3x/20) + 1/16
= 9x^2/25 + 6x/20 + 1/16
= 9x^2/25 + 3x/10 + 1/16 : 6/20 = 3/10 (only term that you can reduce)

THAT'S IT!

Note that this could have been done differently, like simplify what's
inside the brackets at start: [(3/5)x + (1/4)]^2 ; then square;
but the "intent" of the question (it seems) was to have you perform
the full multiplication...so forget that for now.
 
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