(x+5)(x-5) Answer

2 min read Jun 17, 2024
(x+5)(x-5) Answer

Understanding (x+5)(x-5)

The expression (x+5)(x-5) represents a product of two binomials. To find the answer, we can use the FOIL method, which stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last.

Expanding the Expression

  1. First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial: x * x = x²
  2. Outer: Multiply the outer terms: x * -5 = -5x
  3. Inner: Multiply the inner terms: 5 * x = 5x
  4. Last: Multiply the last terms: 5 * -5 = -25

This gives us the following expanded expression:

x² - 5x + 5x - 25

Simplifying the Expression

Notice that the middle terms, -5x and 5x, cancel each other out. This leaves us with:

x² - 25

The Difference of Squares Pattern

The expression (x² - 25) is a difference of squares. This pattern occurs when you have two perfect squares (x² and 25) separated by a minus sign. The general form of this pattern is:

(a² - b²) = (a + b)(a - b)

In our case, a = x and b = 5. Therefore, (x² - 25) can be factored back into the original expression:

(x + 5)(x - 5)

Conclusion

The answer to (x+5)(x-5) is x² - 25. This example demonstrates the difference of squares pattern, a useful tool in factoring and simplifying algebraic expressions.

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