Asked by lisaa

(x^2+2x+1)(x^2-2x+1)

can someone teach me step by step on this?
do i foil the whole thing?

Answers

Answered by drwls
Are you supposed to expand it or factor it?

It factors into (x+1)^2(x-1)^2

That can also be written
[(x+1)(x-1)]^2 = (x^2-1)^2

which can be multiplied out right way (with FOIL) to give
x^4 -2x^2 +1

You can get the same answer by multiplying (x^2+2x+1) by each of the terms in
x^2 -2x +1
and adding up the results. Many terms would have canceled.
Answered by lisaa
im supposed to expand it
Answered by drwls
I did, using a shortcut, and gave you the answer.
Answered by lisaa
thank you :)
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