Multiplying (x + 2)(x - 6)
This article will guide you through the process of multiplying the binomials (x + 2) and (x - 6).
Understanding the Problem
We need to multiply the two binomials, which essentially means distributing each term in the first binomial to every term in the second binomial.
The Process
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FOIL Method: The acronym FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last. This helps us remember the order of multiplication:
- First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial: x * x = x²
- Outer: Multiply the outer terms of the binomials: x * -6 = -6x
- Inner: Multiply the inner terms of the binomials: 2 * x = 2x
- Last: Multiply the last terms of each binomial: 2 * -6 = -12
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Combining Like Terms: After multiplying all the terms, we need to combine the terms with the same power of 'x'.
- x² - 6x + 2x - 12
- x² - 4x - 12
The Solution
The product of (x + 2) and (x - 6) is x² - 4x - 12.
Summary
By using the FOIL method, we systematically multiply each term in the first binomial with each term in the second binomial, then combine like terms to arrive at the final answer.