SOLUTION: Explain why we cannot square a sum by simply squaring each term of the sum. For example, (a+b)square 2 is not equal to a square + b square. Provide appropriate example.

Algebra ->  Distributive-associative-commutative-properties -> SOLUTION: Explain why we cannot square a sum by simply squaring each term of the sum. For example, (a+b)square 2 is not equal to a square + b square. Provide appropriate example.       Log On


   

Question 98700: Explain why we cannot square a sum by simply squaring each term of the sum. For example, (a+b)square 2 is not equal to a square + b square. Provide appropriate example.
Answer by doukungfoo(195) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28a%2Bb%29%5E2 is not equal to a%5E2%2Bb%5E2 where a and b are different numbers not equal to zero
.
%28a%2Bb%29%5E2 is the square of the sum of two numbers
a%5E2%2Bb%5E2 is the sum of two numbers that are squared
.
For an example we can plug in a value for the variables a and b
Let's set a=1 and b=2
%28a%2Bb%29%5E2
%281%2B2%29%5E2
%283%29%5E2
9
Now if we plug in the same values for the variables a and b for
a%5E2%2Bb%5E2
1%5E2%2B2%5E2
1+4
5