Solving the Equation (x+1)(x+1) - (x-1)(x-1) = 4
This equation involves simplifying and solving for the unknown variable 'x'. Let's break down the steps:
1. Expanding the Equation
First, we need to expand the expressions on both sides of the equation:
- (x+1)(x+1) can be expanded using the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last):
- x * x + x * 1 + 1 * x + 1 * 1 = x² + 2x + 1
- (x-1)(x-1) can also be expanded using the FOIL method:
- x * x + x * -1 + -1 * x + -1 * -1 = x² - 2x + 1
Now our equation looks like this: x² + 2x + 1 - (x² - 2x + 1) = 4
2. Simplifying the Equation
Next, we can simplify the equation by removing the parentheses and combining like terms:
- x² + 2x + 1 - x² + 2x - 1 = 4
- 4x = 4
3. Solving for 'x'
Finally, we can solve for 'x' by dividing both sides of the equation by 4:
- x = 1
Solution
Therefore, the solution to the equation (x+1)(x+1) - (x-1)(x-1) = 4 is x = 1.