Expanding (x+3)(x-5)
In algebra, expanding expressions involves simplifying them by removing parentheses and applying the distributive property. Let's look at how to expand the expression (x+3)(x-5).
Understanding the Distributive Property
The distributive property states that for any numbers a, b, and c: a(b + c) = ab + ac
This means we multiply the term outside the parentheses by each term inside the parentheses.
Applying the Distributive Property
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Multiply the first term of the first parenthesis (x) by each term in the second parenthesis:
- x * x = x²
- x * -5 = -5x
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Multiply the second term of the first parenthesis (3) by each term in the second parenthesis:
- 3 * x = 3x
- 3 * -5 = -15
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Combine the resulting terms:
- x² - 5x + 3x - 15
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Simplify by combining like terms:
- x² - 2x - 15
Conclusion
Therefore, the expanded form of (x+3)(x-5) is x² - 2x - 15. This process can be applied to expand any expression with multiple factors using the distributive property.