Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: (2/3x+4)(3/2x+6)-(1/7x-1)(1/7x+1)
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the algebraic expression: (2/3x+4)(3/2x+6)-(1/7x-1)(1/7x+1).
Step 1: Expanding the Products
We begin by expanding the products using the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last).
(2/3x+4)(3/2x+6)
- First: (2/3x) * (3/2x) = x²
- Outer: (2/3x) * 6 = 4x
- Inner: 4 * (3/2x) = 6x
- Last: 4 * 6 = 24
Therefore, (2/3x+4)(3/2x+6) = x² + 4x + 6x + 24 = x² + 10x + 24
(1/7x-1)(1/7x+1)
- First: (1/7x) * (1/7x) = 1/49x²
- Outer: (1/7x) * 1 = 1/7x
- Inner: -1 * (1/7x) = -1/7x
- Last: -1 * 1 = -1
Therefore, (1/7x-1)(1/7x+1) = 1/49x² + 1/7x - 1/7x - 1 = 1/49x² - 1
Step 2: Combining the Expanded Terms
Now we substitute the expanded forms back into the original expression:
(2/3x+4)(3/2x+6)-(1/7x-1)(1/7x+1) = (x² + 10x + 24) - (1/49x² - 1)
Step 3: Simplifying the Expression
Finally, we simplify the expression by combining like terms:
- x² terms: x² - 1/49x² = (49/49)x² - (1/49)x² = 48/49x²
- x terms: 10x
- Constant terms: 24 + 1 = 25
Therefore, the simplified expression is: 48/49x² + 10x + 25
Conclusion
By following these steps, we have successfully simplified the complex algebraic expression: (2/3x+4)(3/2x+6)-(1/7x-1)(1/7x+1) into a more manageable form: 48/49x² + 10x + 25. This process illustrates the importance of understanding basic algebraic operations like expansion and combining like terms.