Short Multiplication Formulas - Examples, Exercises and Solutions

Question Types:
Difference of squares: Finding the Domain of a Square Root FunctionDifference of squares: Identify the greater valueDifference of squares: More than one factorizationDifference of squares: Using rootsSquare of Difference: Equations with denominatorsSquare of sum: Equations with Variables on One SideSquare of sum: Using short multiplication formulasSquare of sum: Using variablesDifference of squares: Equations with denominatorsDifference of squares: Worded problemsSquare of Difference: Using quadrilateralsSquare of sum: Equations with denominatorsDifference of squares: Using fractionsSquare of Difference: Complete the missing numbersSquare of Difference: Data with powers and rootsSquare of Difference: More than one factorizationSquare of Difference: Number of termsDifference of squares: Using quadrilateralsSquare of Difference: Identify the greater valueSquare of Difference: Using fractionsSquare of sum: Complete the missing numbersSquare of sum: Identify the greater valueSquare of sum: Using fractionsSquare of sum: Using quadrilateralsDifference of squares: Complete the missing numbersDifference of squares: Number of termsSquare of Difference: Equations with variables on both sidesSquare of Difference: Resulting in a quadratic equationSquare of Difference: System of equations with no solutionSquare of Difference: Using multiple rulesSquare of sum: More than one factorizationSquare of sum: System of equations with no solutionDifference of squares: Using multiple rulesSquare of Difference: Solving the problemSquare of sum: Data with powers and rootsSquare of sum: Using multiple rulesSquare of Difference: Transition between expressionsSquare of sum: Number of termsSquare of sum: Equations with variables on both sidesSquare of sum: Solving the problemSquare of sum: Transition between expressionsSquare of sum: Resulting in a quadratic equation

What are Abbreviated Multiplication Formulas?

Abbreviated multiplication formulas, also known as algebraic identities, are shortcuts that simplify the process of expanding and factoring expressions. These formulas save time and reduce the steps required for complex calculations. Abbreviated multiplication formulas will be used throughout our math studies, from elementary school to high school. In many cases, we will need to know how to expand or add these equations to arrive at the solution to various math exercises.

Abbreviated Multiplication Formulas for 2nd degree

Here are the basic formulas for abbreviated multiplication:

The square of the sum:
(X+Y)2=X2+2XY+Y2(X + Y)^2=X^2+ 2XY + Y^2

The squared difference:

(XY)2=X22XY+Y2(X - Y)^2=X^2 - 2XY + Y^2

The difference of squares:

(X+Y)×(XY)=X2Y2(X + Y)\times (X - Y) = X^2 - Y^2


Abbreviated Multiplication Formulas for 3rd degree

Abbreviated multiplication formulas for 3rd-degree expressions, also known as cubic identities, build upon the concepts of the 2nd-degree formulas we’ve already covered. The key difference is the adjustment for working with cubic (3rd-degree) terms instead of quadratic (2nd-degree) terms. These formulas simplify complex cubic expressions, breaking them into manageable parts to make calculations faster and more efficient. They are particularly useful in solving problems involving volumes of cubes and other 3D shapes or in advanced mathematics, such as polynomial factoring and equation solving.

Here are two of the most common abbreviated multiplication formulas for 3rd-degree expressions:

Cube of a Sum

(a+b)3=a3+3a2b+3ab2+b3(a+b)^3=a^3+3a^2 b+3ab^2+b^3

Cube of a Difference

​​​​​​​(ab)3=a33a2b+3ab2b3​​​​​​​(a-b)^3=a^3-3a^2 b+3ab^2-b^3


Abbreviated Multiplication Formulas Verification and Examples

We will test the shortcut multiplication formulas by expanding the parentheses.

Square of a Sum:

(X+Y)2=(X+Y)×(X+Y)=(X + Y)^2 = (X + Y)\times (X+Y) =

X2+XY+YX+Y2=X^2 + XY + YX + Y^2=

Since: XY=YXXY = YX

X2+2XY+Y2X^2 + 2XY + Y^2

Example:

(x+3)2 (x+3)^2

(x+3)2=x2+2(x)(3)+32=x2+6x+9 (x+3)^2=x^2+2(x)(3)+3^2=x^2+6x+9


Square of a Difference:

(XY)2=(XY)×(XY)=(X - Y)^2 = (X - Y)\times (X-Y) =

X2XYYX+Y2=X^2 - XY - YX + Y^2=

Since:XY=YX XY = YX

X22XY+Y2X^2 - 2XY + Y^2

Example:

(x4)2 (x−4)^2

(x4)2=x22(x)(4)+42=x28x+16 (x−4)^2=x^2−2(x)(4)+4^2=x^2−8x+16


Product of a Sum and a Difference:

(X+Y)×(XY)=(X + Y)\times (X-Y) =

X2XY+YXY2=X^2 - XY + YX - Y^2=

Since: XY=YX XY = YX

XY+YX=0 - XY + YX = 0

X2Y2X^2 - Y^2

Example:

(x+5)(x5) (x+5)(x−5)

(x+5)(x5)=x252=x225 (x+5)(x−5)=x^2−5^2=x^2−25


Using Abbreviated Multiplication Formulas to Shift the Expression Both Ways

It’s important to remember that these formulas are not one-sided; you can use them to switch between different forms of an expression as needed. For example, you can use the formula:

(X+Y)2=X2+2XY+Y2(X + Y)^2=X^2+ 2XY + Y^2

to expand an expression in parentheses into its expanded form. Conversely, if you encounter an expression like

X2+2XY+Y2X^2+ 2XY + Y^2

you can factor it back into

(X+Y)2(X + Y)^2

This flexibility allows you to work with the representation that is most useful for the problem at hand, whether it’s simplifying, solving, or analyzing the expression. Understanding this two-way functionality is essential for mastering algebraic manipulation.

Practice Short Multiplication Formulas

Examples with solutions for Short Multiplication Formulas

Exercise #1

Solve:

(2+x)(2x)=0 (2+x)(2-x)=0

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the abbreviated multiplication formula:

4x2=0 4-x^2=0

We isolate the terms and extract the root:

4=x2 4=x^2

x=4 x=\sqrt{4}

x=±2 x=\pm2

Answer

±2

Exercise #2

Choose the expression that has the same value as the following:


(x+3)2 (x+3)^2

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the abbreviated multiplication formula:

x2+2×x×3+32= x^2+2\times x\times3+3^2=

x2+6x+9 x^2+6x+9

Answer

x2+6x+9 x^2+6x+9

Exercise #3

Choose the expression that has the same value as the following:

(xy)2 (x-y)^2

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the abbreviated multiplication formula:

(xy)(xy)= (x-y)(x-y)=

x2xyyx+y2= x^2-xy-yx+y^2=

x22xy+y2 x^2-2xy+y^2

Answer

x22xy+y2 x^2-2xy+y^2

Exercise #4

(7+x)(7+x)=? (7+x)(7+x)=\text{?}

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

According to the shortened multiplication formula:

Since 7 and X appear twice, we raise both terms to the power:

(7+x)2 (7+x)^2

Answer

(7+x)2 (7+x)^2

Exercise #5

4x2+20x+25= 4x^2+20x+25=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

In this task, we are asked to simplify the formula using the abbreviated multiplication formulas.

Let's take a look at the formulas:

(xy)2=x22xy+y2 (x-y)^2=x^2-2xy+y^2

 (x+y)2=x2+2xy+y2 (x+y)^2=x^2+2xy+y^2

(x+y)×(xy)=x2y2 (x+y)\times(x-y)=x^2-y^2

Taking into account that in the given exercise there is only addition operation, the appropriate formula is the second one:

Now let us consider, what number when multiplied by itself will equal 4 and what number when multiplied by itself will equal 25?

The answers are respectively 2 and 5:

We insert these into the formula:

(2x+5)2= (2x+5)^2=

(2x+5)(2x+5)= (2x+5)(2x+5)=

2x×2x+2x×5+2x×5+5×5= 2x\times2x+2x\times5+2x\times5+5\times5=

4x2+20x+25 4x^2+20x+25

That means our solution is correct.

Answer

(2x+5)2 (2x+5)^2

Exercise #6

Solve for x:

(x+3)2=x2+9 (x+3)^2=x^2+9

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's solve the equation. First, we'll simplify the algebraic expressions using the perfect square binomial formula:

(a±b)2=a2±2ab+b2 (a\pm b)^2=a^2\pm2ab+b^2 We'll then apply the formula we mentioned and expand the parentheses in the expression in the equation:

(x+3)2=x2+9x2+2x3+32=x2+9x2+6x+9=x2+9 (x+3)^2=x^2+9 \\ x^2+2\cdot x\cdot3+3^2=x^2+9\\ x^2+6x+9=x^2+9 We'll continue and combine like terms, by moving terms around. Later - we can notice that the squared term cancels out, therefore it's a first-degree equation, which we'll solve by isolating the variable term on one side and dividing both sides of the equation by its coefficient:

x2+6x+9=x2+96x=0/:6x=0 x^2+6x+9=x^2+9 \\ 6x=0\hspace{8pt}\text{/}:6\\ \boxed{x=0} Therefore, the correct answer is answer A.

Answer

x=0 x=0

Exercise #7

Solve the following problem:

x2+144=24x x^2+144=24x

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Proceed to solve the given equation:

x2+144=24x x^2+144=24x

Arrange the equation by moving terms:

x2+144=24xx224x+144=0 x^2+144=24x \\ x^2-24x+144=0

Note that we are able to factor the expression on the left side by using the perfect square trinomial formula:

(ab)2=a22ab+b2 (\textcolor{red}{a}-\textcolor{blue}{b})^2=\textcolor{red}{a}^2-2\textcolor{red}{a}\textcolor{blue}{b}+\textcolor{blue}{b}^2

As demonstrated below:

144=122 144=12^2

Therefore, we'll represent the rightmost term as a squared term:

x224x+144=0x224x+122=0 x^2-24x+144=0 \\ \downarrow\\ \textcolor{red}{x}^2-24x+\textcolor{blue}{12}^2=0

Now let's examine once again the perfect square trinomial formula mentioned earlier:

(ab)2=a22ab+b2 (\textcolor{red}{a}-\textcolor{blue}{b})^2=\textcolor{red}{a}^2-\underline{2\textcolor{red}{a}\textcolor{blue}{b}}+\textcolor{blue}{b}^2

And the expression on the left side in the equation that we obtained in the last step:

x224x+122=0 \textcolor{red}{x}^2-\underline{24x}+\textcolor{blue}{12}^2=0

Note that the terms x2,122 \textcolor{red}{x}^2,\hspace{6pt}\textcolor{blue}{12}^2 indeed match the form of the first and third terms in the perfect square trinomial formula (which are highlighted in red and blue),

However, in order to factor this expression (which is on the left side of the equation) using the perfect square trinomial formula mentioned, the remaining term must also match the formula, meaning the middle term in the expression (underlined):

(ab)2=a22ab+b2 (\textcolor{red}{a}-\textcolor{blue}{b})^2=\textcolor{red}{a}^2-\underline{2\textcolor{red}{a}\textcolor{blue}{b}}+\textcolor{blue}{b}^2

In other words - we'll query whether we can represent the expression on the left side of the equation as:

x224x+122=0?x22x12+122=0 \textcolor{red}{x}^2-\underline{24x}+\textcolor{blue}{12}^2=0\\ \updownarrow\text{?}\\ \textcolor{red}{x}^2-\underline{2\cdot\textcolor{red}{x}\cdot\textcolor{blue}{12}}+\textcolor{blue}{12}^2=0

And indeed it is true that:

2x12=24x 2\cdot x\cdot12=24x

Therefore we can represent the expression on the left side of the equation as a perfect square trinomial:

x22x12+122=0(x12)2=0 \textcolor{red}{x}^2-\underline{2\cdot\textcolor{red}{x}\cdot\textcolor{blue}{12}}+\textcolor{blue}{12}^2=0 \\ \downarrow\\ (\textcolor{red}{x}-\textcolor{blue}{12})^2=0

From here we can take the square root of both sides of the equation (and don't forget that there are two possibilities - positive and negative when taking an even root of both sides of an equation), then we'll easily solve by isolating the variable:

(x12)2=0/x12=±0x12=0x=12 (x-12)^2=0\hspace{8pt}\text{/}\sqrt{\hspace{6pt}}\\ x-12=\pm0\\ x-12=0\\ \boxed{x=12}

Let's summarize the solution of the equation:

x2+144=24xx224x+144=0x22x12+122=0(x12)2=0x12=0x=12 x^2+144=24x \\ x^2-24x+144=0 \\ \downarrow\\ \textcolor{red}{x}^2-2\cdot\textcolor{red}{x}\cdot\textcolor{blue}{12}+\textcolor{blue}{12}^2=0 \\ \downarrow\\ (\textcolor{red}{x}-\textcolor{blue}{12})^2=0 \\ \downarrow\\ x-12=0\\ \downarrow\\ \boxed{x=12}

Therefore the correct answer is answer C.

Answer

x=12 x=12

Exercise #8

Solve the following problem:

x2=6x9 x^2=6x-9

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Proceed to solve the given equation:

x2=6x9 x^2=6x-9

First, let's arrange the equation by moving terms:

x2=6x9x26x+9=0 x^2=6x-9 \\ x^2-6x+9=0

Note that we can factor the expression on the left side by using the perfect square trinomial formula for a binomial squared:

(ab)2=a22ab+b2 (\textcolor{red}{a}-\textcolor{blue}{b})^2=\textcolor{red}{a}^2-2\textcolor{red}{a}\textcolor{blue}{b}+\textcolor{blue}{b}^2

As shown below:

9=32 9=3^2 Therefore, we'll represent the rightmost term as a squared term:

x26x+9=0x26x+32=0 x^2-6x+9=0 \\ \downarrow\\ \textcolor{red}{x}^2-6x+\textcolor{blue}{3}^2=0

Now let's examine again the perfect square trinomial formula mentioned earlier:

(ab)2=a22ab+b2 (\textcolor{red}{a}-\textcolor{blue}{b})^2=\textcolor{red}{a}^2-\underline{2\textcolor{red}{a}\textcolor{blue}{b}}+\textcolor{blue}{b}^2

And the expression on the left side in the equation that we obtained in the last step:

x26x+32=0 \textcolor{red}{x}^2-\underline{6x}+\textcolor{blue}{3}^2=0

Note that the terms x2,32 \textcolor{red}{x}^2,\hspace{6pt}\textcolor{blue}{3}^2 indeed match the form of the first and third terms in the perfect square trinomial formula (which are highlighted in red and blue),

However, in order to factor the expression in question (which is on the left side of the equation) using the perfect square trinomial formula mentioned, the remaining term must also match the formula, meaning the middle term in the expression (underlined with a single line):

(ab)2=a22ab+b2 (\textcolor{red}{a}-\textcolor{blue}{b})^2=\textcolor{red}{a}^2-\underline{2\textcolor{red}{a}\textcolor{blue}{b}}+\textcolor{blue}{b}^2

In other words - we will query whether we can represent the expression on the left side of the equation as:

x26x+32=0?x22x3+32=0 \textcolor{red}{x}^2-\underline{6x}+\textcolor{blue}{3}^2=0\\ \updownarrow\text{?}\\ \textcolor{red}{x}^2-\underline{2\cdot\textcolor{red}{x}\cdot\textcolor{blue}{3}}+\textcolor{blue}{3}^2=0

And indeed it is true that:

2x3=6x 2\cdot x\cdot3=6x

Therefore we can represent the expression on the left side of the equation as a perfect square binomial:

x22x3+32=0(x3)2=0 \textcolor{red}{x}^2-\underline{2\cdot\textcolor{red}{x}\cdot\textcolor{blue}{3}}+\textcolor{blue}{3}^2=0 \\ \downarrow\\ (\textcolor{red}{x}-\textcolor{blue}{3})^2=0

From here we can take the square root of both sides of the equation (and don't forget that there are two possibilities - positive and negative when taking an even root of both sides of an equation), then we'll easily solve by isolating the variable:

(x3)2=0/x3=±0x3=0x=3 (x-3)^2=0\hspace{8pt}\text{/}\sqrt{\hspace{6pt}}\\ x-3=\pm0\\ x-3=0\\ \boxed{x=3}

Let's summarize the solution of the equation:

x2=6x9x26x+9=0x22x3+32=0(x3)2=0x3=0x=3 x^2=6x-9 \\ x^2-6x+9=0 \\ \downarrow\\ \textcolor{red}{x}^2-2\cdot\textcolor{red}{x}\cdot\textcolor{blue}{3}+\textcolor{blue}{3}^2=0 \\ \downarrow\\ (\textcolor{red}{x}-\textcolor{blue}{3})^2=0 \\ \downarrow\\ x-3=0\\ \downarrow\\ \boxed{x=3}

Therefore the correct answer is answer C.

Answer

x=3 x=3

Exercise #9

(2[x+3])2= (2\lbrack x+3\rbrack)^2=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We will first solve the exercise by opening the inner brackets:

(2[x+3])²

(2x+6)²

We will then use the shortcut multiplication formula:

(X+Y)²=+2XY+

(2x+6)² = 2x² + 2x*6*2 + 6² = 2x+24x+36

Answer

4x2+24x+36 4x^2+24x+36

Exercise #10

(x2)2+(x3)2= (x-2)^2+(x-3)^2=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

In order to solve the question, we need to know one of the shortcut multiplication formulas:

(xy)2=x22xy+y2 (x−y)^2=x^2−2xy+y^2

We apply the formula twice:

(x2)2=x24x+4 (x-2)^2=x^2-4x+4

(x3)2=x26x+9 (x-3)^2=x^2-6x+9

Now we add the two together:

x24x+4+x26x+9= x^2-4x+4+x^2-6x+9=

2x210x+13 2 x^2-10x+13

Answer

2x210x+13 2x^2-10x+13

Exercise #11

(x+1)2=x2 (x+1)^2=x^2

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's solve the equation. First, we'll simplify the algebraic expressions using the perfect square binomial formula:

(a±b)2=a2±2ab+b2 (a\pm b)^2=a^2\pm2ab+b^2 We'll apply the mentioned formula and expand the parentheses in the expressions in the equation:

(x+1)2=x2x2+2x1+12=x2x2+2x+1=x2 (x+1)^2=x^2 \\ x^2+2\cdot x\cdot1+1^2=x^2 \\ x^2+2x+1=x^2 \\ We'll continue and combine like terms, by moving terms between sides. Later - we can notice that the squared term cancels out, therefore it's a first-degree equation, which we'll solve by isolating the variable term on one side and dividing both sides of the equation by its coefficient:

x2+2x+1=x22x=1/:2x=12 x^2+2x+1=x^2 \\ 2x=-1\hspace{8pt}\text{/}:2\\ \boxed{x=-\frac{1}{2}} Therefore, the correct answer is answer A.

Answer

x=12 x=-\frac{1}{2}

Exercise #12

(x+2)212=x2 (x+2)^2-12=x^2

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's solve the equation. First, we'll simplify the algebraic expressions using the perfect square binomial formula:

(a±b)2=a2±2ab+b2 (a\pm b)^2=a^2\pm2ab+b^2 We'll apply the mentioned formula and expand the parentheses in the expressions in the equation:

(x+2)212=x2x2+2x2+2212=x2x2+4x+412=x2 (x+2)^2-12=x^2 \\ x^2+2\cdot x\cdot2+2^2-12=x^2 \\ x^2+4x+4-12=x^2 \\ We'll continue and combine like terms, by moving terms between sides. Then we can notice that the squared term cancels out, therefore it's a first-degree equation, which we'll solve by isolating the variable term on one side and dividing both sides of the equation by its coefficient:

x2+4x+412=x24x=8/:4x=2 x^2+4x+4-12=x^2 \\ 4x=8\hspace{8pt}\text{/}:4\\ \boxed{x=2} Therefore, the correct answer is answer B.

Answer

x=2 x=2

Exercise #13

(x1)2=x2 (x-1)^2=x^2

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's solve the equation. First, we'll simplify the algebraic expressions using the perfect square binomial formula:

(a±b)2=a2±2ab+b2 (a\pm b)^2=a^2\pm2ab+b^2 We'll apply this formula and expand the parentheses in the expressions in the equation:

(x1)2=x2x22x1+12=x2x22x+1=x2 (x-1)^2=x^2 \\ x^2-2\cdot x\cdot1+1^2=x^2 \\ x^2-2x+1=x^2 \\ We'll continue and combine like terms, by moving terms between sides. Then we can notice that the squared term cancels out, therefore it's a first-degree equation, which we'll solve by isolating the variable term on one side and dividing both sides of the equation by its coefficient:

x22x+1=x22x=1/:(2)x=12 x^2-2x+1=x^2 \\ -2x=-1\hspace{8pt}\text{/}:(-2)\\ \boxed{x=\frac{1}{2}} Therefore, the correct answer is answer A.

Answer

x=12 x=\frac{1}{2}

Exercise #14

(x4)2=(x+2)(x1) (x-4)^2=(x+2)(x-1)

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the equation (x4)2=(x+2)(x1)(x-4)^2 = (x+2)(x-1), follow these detailed steps:

  • Step 1: Expand the left side of the equation using the square of a binomial formula: (x4)2=x28x+16(x-4)^2 = x^2 - 8x + 16.
  • Step 2: Expand the right side using the distributive property: (x+2)(x1)=x(x1)+2(x1)=x2x+2x2=x2+x2(x+2)(x-1) = x(x-1) + 2(x-1) = x^2 - x + 2x - 2 = x^2 + x - 2.
  • Step 3: Set the expanded forms equal to each other: x28x+16=x2+x2x^2 - 8x + 16 = x^2 + x - 2.
  • Step 4: Subtract x2x^2 from both sides to simplify: 8x+16=x2-8x + 16 = x - 2.
  • Step 5: Move all terms involving xx to one side and constant terms to the other: 8xx=216-8x - x = -2 - 16.
  • Step 6: Combine like terms: 9x=18-9x = -18.
  • Step 7: Solve for xx by dividing both sides by 9-9: x=2x = 2.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=2x = 2.

Answer

x=2 x=2

Exercise #15

(x+1)2=x2+13 (x+1)^2=x^2+13

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's solve the equation. First, we'll simplify the algebraic expressions using the perfect square binomial formula:

(a±b)2=a2±2ab+b2 (a\pm b)^2=a^2\pm2ab+b^2 We'll apply the mentioned formula and expand the parentheses in the expressions in the equation:

(x+1)2=x2+13x2+2x1+12=x2+13x2+2x+1=x2+13 (x+1)^2=x^2+13 \\ x^2+2\cdot x\cdot1+1^2=x^2+13 \\ x^2+2x+1=x^2+13

We'll continue and combine like terms, by moving terms between sides. Then we can notice that the squared term cancels out, therefore it's a first-degree equation, which we'll solve by isolating the variable term on one side and dividing both sides of the equation by its coefficient:

x2+2x+1=x2+132x=12/:2x=6 x^2+2x+1=x^2+13 \\ 2x=12\hspace{8pt}\text{/}:2\\ \boxed{x=6} Therefore, the correct answer is answer B.

Answer

x=6 x=6