Simplifying the Expression (a-1)(2a+2)
This article will guide you through simplifying the expression (a-1)(2a+2) using the distributive property.
Understanding the Distributive Property
The distributive property states that for any numbers a, b, and c:
a(b + c) = ab + ac
This means we can multiply a term by a sum by multiplying the term by each term within the sum individually.
Applying the Distributive Property to (a-1)(2a+2)
To simplify (a-1)(2a+2), we'll apply the distributive property twice:
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Distribute (a-1) over (2a+2): (a-1)(2a+2) = a(2a+2) - 1(2a+2)
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Distribute a and -1: a(2a+2) - 1(2a+2) = 2a² + 2a - 2a - 2
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Combine like terms: 2a² + 2a - 2a - 2 = 2a² - 2
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified form of (a-1)(2a+2) is 2a² - 2.