Expanding (x+5)(x-4)
The expression (x+5)(x-4) is a product of two binomials. To expand this expression, we can use the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last).
FOIL Method
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First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial:
- x * x = x²
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Outer: Multiply the outer terms of each binomial:
- x * -4 = -4x
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Inner: Multiply the inner terms of each binomial:
- 5 * x = 5x
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Last: Multiply the last terms of each binomial:
- 5 * -4 = -20
Combining Terms
Now, we combine all the terms:
- x² - 4x + 5x - 20
Finally, we simplify the expression by combining the like terms:
- x² + x - 20
Therefore, the expanded form of (x+5)(x-4) is x² + x - 20.
Alternative Methods
You can also expand the expression using the distributive property:
- (x+5)(x-4) = x(x-4) + 5(x-4)
- = x² - 4x + 5x - 20
- = x² + x - 20
No matter which method you choose, the result is the same.