MHB How to Expand Algebraic Identities

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To expand algebraic identities effectively, start by multiplying out the brackets on both sides of the equation to check for equivalence. It's recommended to first expand the right-hand side, as this can reveal cancellations that simplify the process. The identity (m + n)² = m² + 2mn + n² is a useful reference for expansion. Additionally, the expansion of the product (w+x)(y+z) can be applied to further simplify the expression. Following these steps should help in achieving the desired form of the equation.
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Hello! Please help me start solving this.

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I did expand the lhs but I still can't make it to be like the rhs. Any help would be appreciated!
 

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There may be neater ways to do this, but you can't go wrong if you simply multiply out the brackets on both sides and see whether they give the same answer.
 
Hint: expand the right-hand side, first. You'll find some stuff "cancels".
 
According to Opalg, you probably know (m + n)² = m² + 2mn + n².
Also, $$(w+x)(y+z)=wy+xy+wz+xz$$.
Therefore, $$(wy+xy+wz+xz)(\alpha+\beta)=\alpha wy+\alpha xy+\alpha wz+\alpha xz+\beta wy+\beta xy+\beta wz+\beta xz$$.
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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