Question

Select the verbal phrase that corresponds with the given expression.

(a + b)squared

a plus b

The sum of a and b squared

Twice the sum of a and b

Two times a plus two times b

Answer 1

B. The sum of a and b squared.

Answer 2

\( (a + b)^2 \)

Add a and b. Then square the sum.

B is closest, although B can be interpreted to mean
\(a + b^2 \) which is not the original expression.

B should read "the sum of a and b, squared"
or "the square of the sum of a and b"
to be less ambiguous.