(x+7)(x-1)

2 min read Jun 17, 2024
(x+7)(x-1)

Expanding (x+7)(x-1)

This expression represents the product of two binomials: (x+7) and (x-1). To expand this, we can use the FOIL method, which stands for:

  • First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial.
  • Outer: Multiply the outer terms of each binomial.
  • Inner: Multiply the inner terms of each binomial.
  • Last: Multiply the last terms of each binomial.

Let's apply this to our expression:

1. First: x * x = x²

2. Outer: x * -1 = -x

3. Inner: 7 * x = 7x

4. Last: 7 * -1 = -7

Now, we add all the terms together:

x² - x + 7x - 7

Finally, we combine the like terms:

x² + 6x - 7

Therefore, the expanded form of (x+7)(x-1) is x² + 6x - 7.

Understanding the Result

This expanded form represents a quadratic equation. The expression can be used to find the roots of the equation, which are the values of x that make the expression equal to zero.

Note: The FOIL method is a handy tool for expanding binomials, but it's important to remember that it's just a specific case of the distributive property. You can use the distributive property to expand any expression, not just binomials.

Related Post