Not applying the distributive property correctly

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 113 views

Introduction

Algebraic expressions are a fundamental concept in mathematics, and expanding and simplifying them is a crucial skill to master. In this article, we will focus on expanding and simplifying the expression ${(7x - 1)^2}$ , which is a common problem in algebra. We will break down the process into manageable steps and provide a clear explanation of each step.

What is Expanding an Algebraic Expression?

Expanding an algebraic expression involves multiplying out the terms to get a simplified expression. This is done by applying the distributive property, which states that for any real numbers a, b, and c, a(b + c) = ab + ac.

Step 1: Apply the Distributive Property

To expand the expression ${(7x - 1)^2}$ , we need to apply the distributive property twice. The first step is to multiply the two binomials using the distributive property.

${(7x - 1)^2 = (7x - 1)(7x - 1)}$

Step 2: Multiply the First Binomial

Now, we need to multiply the first binomial, ${7x - 1}$ , by itself.

${(7x - 1)(7x - 1) = (7x)(7x) + (7x)(-1) + (-1)(7x) + (-1)(-1)}$

Step 3: Simplify the Expression

Now, we need to simplify the expression by combining like terms.

${(7x)(7x) + (7x)(-1) + (-1)(7x) + (-1)(-1) = 49x^2 - 7x - 7x + 1}$

Step 4: Combine Like Terms

Finally, we need to combine like terms to get the final simplified expression.

${49x^2 - 7x - 7x + 1 = 49x^2 - 14x + 1}$

Conclusion

In this article, we have expanded and simplified the expression ${(7x - 1)^2}$ . We have applied the distributive property twice to multiply out the terms and then simplified the expression by combining like terms. This process is a crucial skill to master in algebra, and with practice, you will become proficient in expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions, there are several common mistakes to avoid. Here are a few:

Not applying the distributive property correctly: Make sure to apply the distributive property correctly by multiplying each term in the first binomial by each term in the second binomial.
Not combining like terms: Make sure to combine like terms to simplify the expression.
Not checking for errors: Make sure to check your work for errors by plugging in values or using a calculator.

Real-World Applications

Expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions has many real-world applications. Here are a few:

Science and Engineering: Algebraic expressions are used to model real-world phenomena, such as the motion of objects, the growth of populations, and the behavior of electrical circuits.
Economics: Algebraic expressions are used to model economic systems, such as supply and demand curves, and to make predictions about economic trends.
Computer Science: Algebraic expressions are used to write algorithms and to solve problems in computer science.

Practice Problems

Here are a few practice problems to help you master the skill of expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions:

Expand and simplify the expression ${(3x + 2)^2}$ .
Expand and simplify the expression ${(2x - 3)^2}$ .
Expand and simplify the expression ${(x + 1)^2}$ .

Conclusion

Q: What is the distributive property, and how is it used in expanding algebraic expressions?

A: The distributive property is a fundamental concept in algebra that states that for any real numbers a, b, and c, a(b + c) = ab + ac. This property is used to expand algebraic expressions by multiplying each term in the first binomial by each term in the second binomial.

Q: How do I expand an algebraic expression with two binomials?

A: To expand an algebraic expression with two binomials, you need to apply the distributive property twice. First, multiply the two binomials using the distributive property, and then simplify the expression by combining like terms.

Q: What is the difference between expanding and simplifying an algebraic expression?

A: Expanding an algebraic expression involves multiplying out the terms to get a simplified expression. Simplifying an algebraic expression involves combining like terms to get a simpler expression.

Q: How do I simplify an algebraic expression with multiple terms?

A: To simplify an algebraic expression with multiple terms, you need to combine like terms. This involves adding or subtracting the coefficients of the same variables.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions include:

Not applying the distributive property correctly
Not combining like terms
Not checking for errors

Q: How do I check my work for errors when expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions?

A: To check your work for errors when expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions, you can use a calculator or plug in values to test your expression.

Q: What are some real-world applications of expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions?

A: Expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions has many real-world applications, including:

Science and engineering
Economics
Computer science

Q: How can I practice expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions?

A: You can practice expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions by working through practice problems, such as those found in this article.

Q: What are some tips for mastering the skill of expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions?

A: Some tips for mastering the skill of expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions include:

Practicing regularly
Using a calculator or other tools to check your work
Breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts

Q: How can I apply the skill of expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions to real-world problems?

A: You can apply the skill of expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions to real-world problems by using algebraic expressions to model real-world phenomena, such as the motion of objects, the growth of populations, and the behavior of electrical circuits.

Q: What are some common algebraic expressions that I should be familiar with?

A: Some common algebraic expressions that you should be familiar with include:

${(x + a)^2}$
${(x - a)^2}$
${(x + a)(x - a)}$

Q: How can I use algebraic expressions to solve problems in science and engineering?

A: You can use algebraic expressions to solve problems in science and engineering by using algebraic expressions to model real-world phenomena, such as the motion of objects, the growth of populations, and the behavior of electrical circuits.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using algebraic expressions to solve problems in science and engineering?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using algebraic expressions to solve problems in science and engineering include:

Not applying the distributive property correctly
Not combining like terms
Not checking for errors

Q: How can I use algebraic expressions to solve problems in economics?

A: You can use algebraic expressions to solve problems in economics by using algebraic expressions to model economic systems, such as supply and demand curves, and to make predictions about economic trends.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using algebraic expressions to solve problems in economics?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using algebraic expressions to solve problems in economics include:

Not applying the distributive property correctly
Not combining like terms
Not checking for errors

Q: How can I use algebraic expressions to solve problems in computer science?

A: You can use algebraic expressions to solve problems in computer science by using algebraic expressions to write algorithms and to solve problems in computer science.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using algebraic expressions to solve problems in computer science?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using algebraic expressions to solve problems in computer science include: