Calculate the Square's Area Using the Expression (x+1)²

Square Area with Algebraic Side Length

Write an algebraic expression for the area of the square below.

x+1x+1x+1

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:13 Let's express the area of the square in terms of X.
00:17 We'll use the formula: side times side, which is side squared.
00:22 Next, substitute the given values, and solve to find the area.
00:27 Remember, open parentheses carefully when needed!
00:31 And this is how we find the solution! Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Write an algebraic expression for the area of the square below.

x+1x+1x+1

2

Step-by-step solution

To find the area of a square with side length x+1 x + 1 , we apply the formula for the area of a square, which is side squared. This means we need to calculate (x+1)2(x + 1)^2.

Here are the steps to solve the problem:

  • Step 1: Identify the expression for the side length. The side length of the square is given as x+1 x + 1 .
  • Step 2: Use the formula for the area of a square: (side)2(\text{side})^2.
  • Step 3: Substitute the side length with x+1 x + 1 : (x+1)2(x + 1)^2.
  • Step 4: Expand the expression using the formula for the square of a sum: (a+b)2=a2+2ab+b2(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2, where a=x a = x and b=1 b = 1 .
  • Step 5: Calculation:
    • (x+1)2=x2+2(x)(1)+12(x + 1)^2 = x^2 + 2(x)(1) + 1^2
    • (x+1)2=x2+2x+1(x + 1)^2 = x^2 + 2x + 1

Therefore, the algebraic expression for the area of the square is x2+2x+1 x^2 + 2x + 1 .

3

Final Answer

x2+2x+1 x^2+2x+1

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Formula: Square area equals side length squared: (side)²
  • Technique: Expand (x+1)2=x2+2x+1 (x+1)^2 = x^2 + 2x + 1 using binomial formula
  • Check: Verify expansion by substituting x = 2: (3)² = 9 = 4 + 4 + 1 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Calculating area as x + 1 instead of (x + 1)²
    Don't just use the side length x + 1 as the area = wrong formula! This gives you perimeter thinking, not area. Always remember that square area requires squaring the side length: (x + 1)².

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

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

\( (x+y)^2 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just write the area as x + 1?

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Because area measures the space inside the square, which requires multiplying length × width. Since it's a square, this becomes side × side = (x+1)2 (x+1)^2 .

Do I need to expand (x + 1)² or can I leave it as is?

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The question asks for an algebraic expression, so you should expand it to x2+2x+1 x^2 + 2x + 1 . This shows all the terms clearly and matches the answer format.

How do I remember the formula for (a + b)²?

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Use FOIL: (x + 1)(x + 1) = x² + x + x + 1 = x2+2x+1 x^2 + 2x + 1 . Or remember the pattern: first² + 2(first)(second) + second².

What if the side was x - 1 instead?

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Then you'd calculate (x1)2=x22x+1 (x-1)^2 = x^2 - 2x + 1 . Notice the middle term is negative when you have subtraction in the binomial.

Can I check my answer by plugging in numbers?

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Absolutely! Try x = 3: side length = 4, area = 16. Check: 32+2(3)+1=9+6+1=16 3^2 + 2(3) + 1 = 9 + 6 + 1 = 16

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