Expanding (x+4)(x+2)
In mathematics, expanding an expression means rewriting it in a simpler form, typically by removing parentheses. In this case, we have the product of two binomials: (x+4)(x+2).
Using the FOIL Method
The FOIL method is a common way to expand binomials. It stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last, which represents the order in which we multiply the terms:
- First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial: x * x = x²
- Outer: Multiply the outer terms: x * 2 = 2x
- Inner: Multiply the inner terms: 4 * x = 4x
- Last: Multiply the last terms: 4 * 2 = 8
Now, we add all the results together:
x² + 2x + 4x + 8
Finally, we combine the like terms:
x² + 6x + 8
Therefore, the expanded form of (x+4)(x+2) is x² + 6x + 8.
Alternative Method: Distributive Property
Another approach is using the distributive property. We can distribute the first binomial (x+4) over the terms of the second binomial (x+2):
(x+4)(x+2) = x(x+2) + 4(x+2)
Then, we distribute again:
= x² + 2x + 4x + 8
Combining like terms, we get the same result:
x² + 6x + 8
Both methods lead to the same expanded form, demonstrating that you can choose the approach you find easiest and most comfortable.