Expanding and Simplifying the Expression: (x+7)(x-5) + (x+1)(x+4)
This article will walk through the steps of expanding and simplifying the algebraic expression: (x+7)(x-5) + (x+1)(x+4).
Expanding the Products
We can expand the expression by using the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last) for each pair of parentheses.
-
(x+7)(x-5):
- First: x * x = x²
- Outer: x * -5 = -5x
- Inner: 7 * x = 7x
- Last: 7 * -5 = -35
-
(x+1)(x+4):
- First: x * x = x²
- Outer: x * 4 = 4x
- Inner: 1 * x = x
- Last: 1 * 4 = 4
Combining the results, we get: x² - 5x + 7x - 35 + x² + 4x + x + 4
Simplifying the Expression
Now we combine like terms to simplify the expression:
- x² + x² = 2x²
- -5x + 7x + 4x + x = 7x
- -35 + 4 = -31
Therefore, the simplified expression is: 2x² + 7x - 31
Final Answer
The expanded and simplified form of the expression (x+7)(x-5) + (x+1)(x+4) is 2x² + 7x - 31.