<|system|>
Given $a \star b = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$, what is the value of $a \star b$ when $a = 4$ and $b = 6?$</s>.
<|user|>
Can you answer based on context?
<|assistant|>
I notice that the expression $a^2 + 2ab + b^2$ is the same as $(a + b)^2$, so I can rewrite the definition of the operation as $a \star b = (a + b)^2$. This makes it easier to evaluate, because I just need to add $a$ and $b$ and then square the result. So, when $a = 4$ and $b = 6$, I get $a \star b = (4 + 6)^2 = 10^2 = 100$. 