Expanding and Simplifying (x+5)(x-1)
This article will guide you through the process of expanding and simplifying the expression (x+5)(x-1).
Understanding the Process
Expanding an algebraic expression means multiplying out the terms within parentheses. In this case, we'll use the distributive property to multiply each term in the first set of parentheses by each term in the second set of parentheses.
Expanding the Expression
- Multiply the first terms: x * x = x²
- Multiply the outer terms: x * -1 = -x
- Multiply the inner terms: 5 * x = 5x
- Multiply the last terms: 5 * -1 = -5
This gives us the expanded expression: x² - x + 5x - 5
Simplifying the Expression
Now, we can combine the like terms:
- -x and 5x combine to give 4x
The simplified expression is: x² + 4x - 5
Conclusion
Therefore, expanding and simplifying the expression (x+5)(x-1) results in x² + 4x - 5.