I have a simple question...

(a+b)2 = a2 + b2

Is this true for all whole numbers, and why?

My name: Kristen (student)

tenth grade level
Thank you so much!!!!

Hi Kristen,

If you are wondering if this is true for all numbers then try some to see if that helps. Try a = 1 and a = 1

Is (1 + 1 )2 = 12 + 12? Try a = 2 and b = 3

Is (2 + 3 )2 = 22 + 32? Try a = 3 and b = 1

Is (3 + 1 )2 = 32 + 12? Try some other choices of a and b.

Cheers,
Penny
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