Expanding and Simplifying (x+5)(x+1)(x+4)
This article will guide you through expanding and simplifying the expression (x+5)(x+1)(x+4). We'll break down the steps and explain the process.
Step 1: Expand the First Two Factors
Begin by expanding the first two factors, (x+5)(x+1), using the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last):
- First: x * x = x²
- Outer: x * 1 = x
- Inner: 5 * x = 5x
- Last: 5 * 1 = 5
Combining these terms, we get: (x+5)(x+1) = x² + x + 5x + 5 = x² + 6x + 5
Step 2: Multiply the Result by the Third Factor
Now we have (x² + 6x + 5)(x+4). To expand this, we need to multiply each term in the first expression by each term in the second expression.
- x² * x = x³
- x² * 4 = 4x²
- 6x * x = 6x²
- 6x * 4 = 24x
- 5 * x = 5x
- 5 * 4 = 20
Step 3: Combine Like Terms
Finally, combine the like terms to simplify the expression:
x³ + 4x² + 6x² + 24x + 5x + 20 = x³ + 10x² + 29x + 20
Conclusion
Therefore, the expanded and simplified form of (x+5)(x+1)(x+4) is x³ + 10x² + 29x + 20.