Carcass wrote:
\((2x+1)^2 - (2x-1)^2 =\)
A. 2
B. 8x
C. 4x-1
D. 4x+1
E. 8x+2
Here's another approach:
We are looking for an algebraic expression that is equivalent to the expression \((2x+1)^2 - (2x-1)^2\)
So, the value of \((2x+1)^2 - (2x-1)^2\) for a given value of x should be equal if the correct answer when evaluated for the same value of x.
Here's what I mean:
If x = 3, then \((2x+1)^2 - (2x-1)^2 = [2(3)+1]^2 - [2(3)-1]^2 = [6+1]^2 - [6-1]^2 = 7^2 - 5^2 = 49 + 25 = 24\)
So, when x = 3, \((2x+1)^2 - (2x-1)^2 = 24\)
This means the correct answer will be the one that evaluates to equal 24, when x =
3Let's past each answer choice
A. 2 NO GOOD.
B. 8(
3) = 24 KEEP
C. 4(
3) - 1 = 11 NO GOOD.
D. 4(
3) + 1 = 13 NO GOOD.
E. 8(
3) + 2 = 26 NO GOOD.
Answer: B
ASIDE: The above strategy is very useful in situations in which you don't know how to perform the algebraic steps necessary to simplify the given expression
Cheers,
Brent