1. **State the problem:** Simplify or analyze the expression $$\frac{2}{(x+1)^2}$$. 2. **Recall the formula and rules:** This is a rational expression where the numerator is 2 and the denominator is the square of the binomial $(x+1)$. 3. **Important rules:** - The denominator $(x+1)^2$ means $(x+1) \times (x+1)$. - The expression is undefined when the denominator is zero, so $x \neq -1$. 4. **Intermediate work:** The expression is already simplified as $$\frac{2}{(x+1)^2}$$. 5. **Explanation:** This expression represents a function that outputs the value 2 divided by the square of $(x+1)$. The square in the denominator means the function will always be positive for all $x \neq -1$, and it will approach infinity as $x$ approaches $-1$ from either side. **Final answer:** $$\frac{2}{(x+1)^2}$$