What does it mean to be squared? Start with visualizing a square □ . We know that the length and width of a square are the same length and we know that the area of a square is side times side. We can write this as s². So any time you see a number or a variable with an exponent of 2 it means you are multiplying a number times itself.



Let's practice with numbers.

Example 1: 5² = 5 •5 = 25

Example 2: 12² = 12 •12 = 144

Let's practice evaluating with variables.

Example 3: if x = 6 find x².

Substitute (6) in for x. x² = (6)²

Expand x² = 6 •6 = 36

Therefore x² = 36

Let's look at a common mistake.

Remember that x² = x •x so what does -x² mean? It means (-1) •x •x

Example 4: find when x = 7

Substitute (7) in for x. x² = (7)² Expandx² = 7 •7 = 49 Therefore x² = 49

Challenge: find 2x² when x = 9

Substitute (9) in for x. 2x² = 2(9)² Expand 2x² = 2 •9 •9 = 162 Therefore 2x² = 162

Let's wrap this up. Remember that to be "squared" means to multiply a number times itself.

Related Links: Math algebra Evaluate Exponents