standard_description: Solve two-step word problems using the four operations. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding. (This standard is limited to problems posed with whole numbers and having whole number answers; students should know how to perform operations in the conventional order when there are no parentheses to specify a particular order (Order of Operations).)
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: no