Expand each expression:

a.) (x - 1/2)^2

Question

Expand each expression: 

a.) (x - 1/2)^2

anonymous · Answer

(x^2)/(4) - (x)/(2) + (1)/(4)

anonymous · Answer

First, right it as two binomials: (x-1/2)(x-1/2)

Then, use FOIL:
Firsts: x^2
Outers: -1/2x
Inners: -1/2x
Lasts: 1/4
So you get x^2-x+1/4

e.cociuba · Answer

Ok so this is where I'm at: 
(x - 1/2) (x - 1/2) 
x^2- 1/2x-12x-2.25

anonymous · Answer

Assuming 12 is a typo, everything but the -2.25 looks fine. Where did you get that?

e.cociuba · Answer

Ops ya it was a typo. Get wat from?

anonymous · Answer

The -2.25 at the end. How did you get that?

e.cociuba · Answer

well -1.5 * -1.5= 2.25 
Oh so its: 
x^2- 1/2x-1/2x+ 2.25 
Yah?

anonymous · Answer

It's -1/2, not -1.5, right? -1/2*-1/2 = 1/4

e.cociuba · Answer

well -1/2 is -1.5... in decimal form..

anonymous · Answer

No, it's -0.5.

e.cociuba · Answer

Ohh I mean -.5 srry

anonymous · Answer

the square of the first + 2(first x the second with their signs ) + the square of the the last

e.cociuba · Answer

Ok I just confused myself. Let me start over.

anonymous · Answer

Alright, good plan.

e.cociuba · Answer

(x - 1/2)  (x - 1/2)  
x^2 - 1/2x - 1/2x + .25 (or 1/4)

anonymous · Answer

Right! Just combine like terms now.

e.cociuba · Answer

K so I got: 
x^2 - 1 + .25

anonymous · Answer

x^2-1x+.25, you mean, right?

e.cociuba · Answer

Oh ops I forgot to put the x in haha I'm seriously loosing my head :P

anonymous · Answer

It's ok, happens to everyone :P

e.cociuba · Answer

Haha I guess it does. K thanks for the help! :)