Question bank / Equivalent expressions
Math · Advanced Math Medium
Which expression is equivalent to ( 2 x − 3 ) 2 (2x - 3)^2 ( 2 x − 3 ) 2 ?
A 4 x 2 − 12 x + 9 4x^2 - 12x + 9 4 x 2 − 12 x + 9
B 4 x 2 − 6 x + 9 4x^2 - 6x + 9 4 x 2 − 6 x + 9
D 4 x 2 − 12 x − 9 4x^2 - 12x - 9 4 x 2 − 12 x − 9
Show answer and explanation Answer: A
Use ( a − b ) 2 = a 2 − 2 a b + b 2 (a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2 ( a − b ) 2 = a 2 − 2 ab + b 2 with a = 2 x a = 2x a = 2 x and b = 3 b = 3 b = 3 : ( 2 x ) 2 − 2 ( 2 x ) ( 3 ) + 3 2 = 4 x 2 − 12 x + 9 (2x)^2 - 2(2x)(3) + 3^2 = 4x^2 - 12x + 9 ( 2 x ) 2 − 2 ( 2 x ) ( 3 ) + 3 2 = 4 x 2 − 12 x + 9 .
Choice C squares each term separately and drops the middle term − 12 x -12x − 12 x .
Got it wrong? On SAT Owl, Owl looks at the answer you chose and explains the exact mistake, then gives you similar questions until it sticks. Get your predicted SAT score free .
© 2026 SAT Owl. SAT® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, SAT Owl. Terms · Privacy