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    Advanced MathMedium

    Equivalent expressions

    Rewrite algebraic expressions in equivalent forms using factoring, expanding, and combining like terms.

    Sample SAT Problem

    Which expression is equivalent to (x + 3)² − 9?

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    Step-by-Step Solution

    Expand: x² + 6x + 9 − 9 = x² + 6x = x(x + 6).

    Key Tips from Pamela

    • FOIL or the box method helps expand binomials accurately.
    • Look for difference of squares: a² − b² = (a+b)(a−b).
    • Factor out the GCF first before using other techniques.

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