1. The problem is to square a given number or expression, which means multiplying it by itself. 2. The formula for squaring a number $x$ is $x^2 = x \times x$. 3. Important rule: When squaring a sum or difference, use the formula $(a \pm b)^2 = a^2 \pm 2ab + b^2$. 4. For example, if the answer to be squared is $5$, then $5^2 = 5 \times 5 = 25$. 5. If the answer is an expression like $(x+3)$, then $(x+3)^2 = x^2 + 2 \times x \times 3 + 3^2 = x^2 + 6x + 9$. 6. Always simplify the expression after squaring to get the final answer.