1. The problem is to understand how to handle expressions where the variable $x$ appears inside parentheses. 2. When $x$ is inside parentheses, it means the operations inside the parentheses must be performed first according to the order of operations. 3. For example, if you have an expression like $(x+3)^2$, you first evaluate the sum inside the parentheses, then square the result. 4. The formula for squaring a binomial is $$(a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$$. 5. Applying this to $(x+3)^2$, we get $$x^2 + 2 \cdot x \cdot 3 + 3^2 = x^2 + 6x + 9$$. 6. This shows how to expand expressions with $x$ inside parentheses. 7. Always remember to apply operations inside parentheses first before moving on to exponents or multiplication. 8. If you have other operations like multiplication or division involving parentheses, distribute or simplify accordingly. 9. For example, $2(x+4) = 2x + 8$ by distributing the 2 to both terms inside the parentheses. 10. Understanding how to work with parentheses is crucial for simplifying and solving algebraic expressions involving $x$.