Expanding and Simplifying (x + 4)(x - 1)
This article will guide you through the process of expanding and simplifying the expression (x + 4)(x - 1) into standard quadratic form.
Understanding the Process
The given expression is in factored form. To convert it to standard form, we need to multiply the two binomials using the FOIL method:
- 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.
Applying the FOIL Method
- First: x * x = x²
- Outer: x * -1 = -x
- Inner: 4 * x = 4x
- Last: 4 * -1 = -4
Combining Like Terms
Now, we combine the resulting terms:
x² - x + 4x - 4
This simplifies to:
x² + 3x - 4
Conclusion
Therefore, the standard form of the expression (x + 4)(x - 1) is x² + 3x - 4.