The first expression
(1.5x−2.4)2 can be rewritten as
(1.5x−2.4)(1.5x−2.4). Applying the distributive property to this product yields
(2.25x2−3.6x−3.6x+5.76)−(5.2x2−6.4).
This difference can be rewritten as
(2.25x2−3.6x−3.6x+5.76)+(−1)(5.2x−6.4).
Distributing the factor of
−1 through the second expression yields
2.25x2−3.6x−3.6x+5.76−5.2x2+6.4.
Regrouping like terms, the expression becomes
(2.25x2−5.2x2)+(−3.6x−3.6x)+(5.76+6.4).
Combining like terms yields
−2.95x2−7.2x+12.16.Choices A, B, and D are incorrect and likely result from errors made when applying the distributive property or combining the resulting like terms.