How would you solve the problem

(w - 2)^2
????
So far I've gotten w^2-2w*2-4
Where do I go from here?
Have I even gotten what I have right?

I understand when I'm with my teacher, but as soon as I got home, I was a little lost. So any help would be great!!
THANKS!! (:

You are almost there

your first line in the expansion probably was

w^2 - 2w - 2w + 4
the only terms we can add up are the two 2w terms

= w^2 - 4w + 4

To solve the problem (w - 2)^2, you need to perform the process of binomial expansion. Remember that squaring a binomial involves multiplying the binomial by itself.

Starting with (w - 2)^2, you can apply the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last) to expand it. Here's how it works:

1. Multiply the first terms: w * w = w^2.
2. Multiply the outer terms: w * -2 = -2w.
3. Multiply the inner terms: -2 * w = -2w.
4. Multiply the last terms: -2 * -2 = 4.

Now you can combine the results:

(w - 2)^2 = w^2 - 2w - 2w + 4

You were on the right track! However, there's a small error in the sign between the terms (-2w*2 should be -2w*2 = -4w). So the correct expanded form is:

(w - 2)^2 = w^2 - 4w + 4

Simplifying further, you can combine like terms:

(w - 2)^2 = w^2 - 4w + 4.

And that's the final answer.