Chapter 1 - Linear Functions and Change - 1.2 Rate of Change - Exercises and Problems for Section 1.2 - Skill Refresher - Page 14: S7

$$-3x^{2}-4xa-a^{2}$$

Initial: $x^{2}-(2x+a)^{2}$ First, rewrite the $(2x+a)^{2}$ in its expanded form: $(2x+a)(2x+a)$ Then FOIL it: $$x^{2}-(4x^{2}+4xa+a^{2})$$ After that, distribute the negative: $$x^{2}-4x^{2}-4xa-a^{2}$$ Then simplify by combining like terms: $$-3x^{2}-4xa-a^{2}$$