Question

Which method is correct when finding the product of (x + 2)^2? Justify your answer in complete sentences.
Method 1
(x+2)^2
x^2+2^2
x^2+4

Method 2
(x+2)^2
(x+2)(x+2)
x^2+4x+4

Answer 1

the latter.

Answer 2

Method 2
(x+2)^2
(x+2)(x+2)
x^2+4x+4

Answer 3

It's not method one because (x+2)^2 = (x+2)(x+2)