Silly Algebra Question

iamaelephant

Diamond Member
Jul 25, 2004
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It's rather embarassing that I even have to ask this, but hopefully someone can help me out here. When expanding an expression, let's say;

(x - 1)^2 - 2(x - 1)

Should it be (not completely expanded, obviously)
(x - 1)(x - 1) - 2x - 2

or

(x - 1)(x - 1) - 2x + 2

Of course multiplying two negatives gives a positive, I'm just not sure if the minus sign in front of the 2 should affect each figure in the brackets or if you just write the minus symbol in front of the 2x, and continue as normal, if you get what I mean.