This week in math we were learning about polynomial operations.  I came across a question with an exponent.  Similar to this question here…

…at first when I saw this question I immediately took the knowledge that I learned from the exponents chapter and applied it here. I multiplied everything inside the bracket by the exponent…

…I then quickly realized that it makes no sense at all, to do that.  Thinking back to exponents, the exponent only applies to what is directly underneath it.  Since x-8 is in brackets, (x-8) is considered as 1.  So this week I learned that when you have a question like this, once there is addition or subtraction in the equation,  you then have to double the equation.  There is still a relation with exponents, when you are squaring you are still doubling everything.