Understanding the Basics of Algebraic Equations: Is 2x(x) = 3x or 2x(x) = 2x^2?

[Cornraker]

I know this is a dumb question but dumb questions are easier to fix than dumb mistakes so here goes.

Is 2x(x)= 3x

or 2x(x) = 2x^2

 

[Tevion]

2x^2

 

[Mark44]

I know this is a dumb question but dumb questions are easier to fix than dumb mistakes so here goes.

Is 2x(x)= 3x

or 2x(x) = 2x^2

2x(x) means 2*x*x, which can be written as 2x², as Tevion stated. This could also be written as 2xx, but is usually not written that way.

In algebraic expressions, multiplication is not usually shown explicitly, while addition (and subtraction and division) always are shown explicitly. If two expressions are next to each other, with or without parentheses, the two expressions are understood to be multiplied.

2xy = 2*x*y.
3xy + 2x = 3*x*y + 2*x.
3(xy + 2x) = 3*(xy + 2x) = 3xy + 6x.
2x + x = x(2 + 1) = x(3) = 3x

 

[HallsofIvy]

2x+ x= 3x

 

[Cornraker]

thanks everybody