Question

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

Method 1 Method 2
(x + 2)2 (x + 2)2
x2 + 22 (x + 2)(x + 2)
x2 + 4 x2 + 4x + 4

Answer 1

There is only one method to find the expansion of (x+2)²:
(x+2)² = (x+2)(x+2) = x² + 4x + 4