Let’s break down some of these expressions with a little historical flair and some practical tips!

Did you know that algebra was developed by Persian mathematicians like Al-Khwarizmi in the 9th century? Their work laid the groundwork for modern algebraic notation, even introducing the concept of using letters to represent numbers, which we often take for granted today. Their contributions revolutionized mathematics, making it more accessible and paving the way for future mathematicians.

When simplifying expressions like those you listed, a common mistake is forgetting to apply the distributive property correctly. Always remember that when you see an expression like , you need to distribute across both and (making it ). Also, watch out for signs—misplacing a minus sign can completely change the outcome!

Happy simplifying!