"n^2 and 2n^2 is an increase by a factor of 4": how??

[ScripterKitty]

In one of my math problems the answer stated that going from n^2 to 2n^2 is an increase by a factor of 4. I dont understand how this is. Can someone explain?

[nona.m.nona]

In one of my math problems the answer stated that going from n^2 to 2n^2 is an increase by a factor of 4. I dont understand how this is. Can someone explain?

If the expressions are as posted -- n² and 2n² -- then the increase is not a factor of 4, but a factor of 2. If, on the other hand, the second expression is (2n)², then the expression simplifies to 4n², which is an increase by a factor of 4.

[ScripterKitty]

Thanks alot. I thought about this last night and came to the same conclusion that I was "assuming" that the equation was like this 2(n^2) vs (2n)^2. Thanks!