Expanding the Expression (-a + 1)(5a + 6)
This article will guide you through expanding the expression (-a + 1)(5a + 6) using the FOIL method.
What is the FOIL method?
The FOIL method is a mnemonic acronym that stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last. It is used to multiply two binomials. Let's break it down:
- First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial.
- Outer: Multiply the outer terms of the binomials.
- Inner: Multiply the inner terms of the binomials.
- Last: Multiply the last terms of each binomial.
Expanding the expression
- First: (-a) * (5a) = -5a²
- Outer: (-a) * (6) = -6a
- Inner: (1) * (5a) = 5a
- Last: (1) * (6) = 6
Now, add all the terms together:
-5a² - 6a + 5a + 6
Combine the like terms:
-5a² - a + 6
Conclusion
Therefore, the expanded form of (-a + 1)(5a + 6) is -5a² - a + 6. This method can be applied to any binomial multiplication problem.