To find the product of \((-4x - 3)^2\), we can use the formula for squaring a binomial, which is \((a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2\).
Let: \[ a = -4x \quad \text{and} \quad b = -3 \]
Now, we apply the formula:
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Calculate \(a^2\): \[ (-4x)^2 = 16x^2 \]
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Calculate \(2ab\): \[ 2 \cdot (-4x) \cdot (-3) = 2 \cdot 12x = 24x \]
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Calculate \(b^2\): \[ (-3)^2 = 9 \]
Now, putting it all together, we have: \[ (-4x - 3)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 = 16x^2 + 24x + 9 \]
Thus, the product of \((-4x - 3)^2\) in standard form is: \[ \boxed{16x^2 + 24x + 9} \]