SOLUTION: Explain the following in your own words: (a + b)^2 is not equal to a^2 + b^2. Give a numerical example to illustrate this.

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Question 154068This question is from textbook elementary and intermediate algebra
: Explain the following in your own words: (a + b)^2 is not equal to a^2 + b^2. Give a numerical example to illustrate this.
 This question is from textbook elementary and intermediate algebra

Answer by jojo14344(1513) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(a + b)^2 is not equal to a^2 + b^2.

Simply, in %28a%2Bb%29%5E2 means that you need to add the numerals (or variables)before raising them to the 2nd power.
In %28a%5E2+%2B+b%5E2%29 means that you need to raised the numerals or variables to the 2nd power then add them.
To prove, pick a=1 and b=2
%28a%2Bb%29%5E2=%281%2B2%29%5E2=3%5E2=9 is not equal to a%5E2%2Bb%5E2=1%5E2%2B2%5E2=1%2B4=5
See www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/exponent
Thank you,
Jojo