Square of a Sum Practice Test

About This "Square of a Sum Practice Test"

This test uses (a+b)² in multiple directions: expansion, factoring, completion, coefficient matching, and numerical shortcuts.

"Positive middle terms, scaled binomials, two-variable squares, missing coefficients, recognition, and mental computation."

Skills Covered

Positive middle terms, scaled binomials, two-variable squares, missing coefficients, recognition, and mental computation.

Key Ideas

1. (a+b)²=a²+2ab+b².
2. Both squared terms are positive.
3. The middle term is twice the product, not just the product.
4. A matching trinomial factors as one repeated binomial.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not confuse the square of a sum with a²+b² or use only ab for the middle term.

Practice Format

Each question has four answer choices. The explanation shows the method, completes the work, states the conclusion, and explains why every distractor is incorrect.