SOLUTION: I am trying to factor/simplfy: (a-3)^2 can I? I am stumped because of the parentheses

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Question 870204: I am trying to factor/simplfy: (a-3)^2 can I? I am stumped because of the parentheses
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If you mean expand it out, then...


%28a-3%29%5E2+=+%28a-3%29%28a-3%29


%28a-3%29%5E2+=+a%28a-3%29-3%28a-3%29


%28a-3%29%5E2+=+a%28a%29%2Ba%28-3%29-3%28a%29-3%28-3%29


%28a-3%29%5E2+=+a%5E2-3a-3a%2B9


%28a-3%29%5E2+=+a%5E2-6a%2B9


So %28a-3%29%5E2 expands out to a%5E2-6a%2B9