standard_description: Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it. For example, see x^(4) – y^(4 )as (x^(2))^(2 )– (y^(2))^(2), thus recognizing it as a difference of squares that can be factored as (x^(2 )– y^(2))(x^(2 )+ y^(2)).
problem_activity: Task
Consider the algebraic expressions below:
$$ (n + 2)^2 - 4 \qquad \text{and} \qquad n^2 + 4n. $$
Use the figures below to illustrate why the expressions are equivalent:
[IMG]
Find some ways to algebraically verify the same result.


aligns: yes