Simplify the polynomial. a. 18a+(a–9)^2

a² + 81 is your answer

Step-by-step explanation:

First, expand the power:

(a - 9)² = (a - 9)(a  - 9)

Use the FOIL method.

(a)(a) = a²

(a)(-9) = -9a

(-9)(a) = -9a

(-9)(-9) = 81

Combine like terms: a² - 9a - 9a + 81

a² (- 9a - 9a) + 81

a² - 18a + 81

Simplify. Combine like terms:

18a + a² - 18a + 81

a² + (18a - 18a) + 81

a² + 81

a² + 81 is your answer

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