(2a-5)(2a+3)

2 min read Jun 16, 2024
(2a-5)(2a+3)

Expanding the Expression: (2a-5)(2a+3)

This article will guide you through the process of expanding the given expression: (2a-5)(2a+3).

Understanding the Expression

The expression (2a-5)(2a+3) represents the product of two binomials. Binomials are algebraic expressions with two terms. In this case:

  • (2a-5): This binomial has the terms 2a and -5.
  • (2a+3): This binomial has the terms 2a and 3.

Expanding using the FOIL method

The most common method for expanding binomials is the FOIL method. FOIL stands for:

  • F: First terms of each binomial.
  • O: Outer terms of each binomial.
  • I: Inner terms of each binomial.
  • L: Last terms of each binomial.

Following this method, we expand the expression:

  1. F: (2a)(2a) = 4a²
  2. O: (2a)(3) = 6a
  3. I: (-5)(2a) = -10a
  4. L: (-5)(3) = -15

Combining like terms

After applying the FOIL method, we obtain:

4a² + 6a - 10a - 15

Combining the like terms (6a and -10a), we get the final expanded expression:

4a² - 4a - 15

Conclusion

Therefore, the expanded form of the expression (2a-5)(2a+3) is 4a² - 4a - 15. By applying the FOIL method, we can effectively multiply binomials and simplify the resulting expressions.

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