Question

Which method is correct when finding the product of (x − 3)2? Justify your answer in complete sentences.


Method 1
(x-3)^2
(x-3)(x-3)
x^2-6x+9

Method 2
(x-3)^2
x^2-3^2
x^2 - 9

Answer 1

Method 1 is the way to go...not method 2. You can't distribute an exponent over 2 expressions added or subtracted: (a - b)^n is not equal to a^n - b^n

Answer 2

Why thank you lol