Expanding and Simplifying (x+6)(x-1)
This expression represents the product of two binomials: (x+6) and (x-1). To simplify it, we need to expand it using the distributive property, also known as FOIL.
FOIL stands for:
- First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial.
- Outer: Multiply the outer terms of the binomials.
- Inner: Multiply the inner terms of the binomials.
- Last: Multiply the last terms of each binomial.
Let's apply this to our expression:
F: x * x = x² O: x * -1 = -x I: 6 * x = 6x L: 6 * -1 = -6
Now, we combine all the terms:
x² - x + 6x - 6
Finally, we simplify by combining like terms:
x² + 5x - 6
Therefore, the simplified form of (x+6)(x-1) is x² + 5x - 6.
Understanding the Result
This expanded form represents a quadratic equation. It can be graphed as a parabola, and its roots (where the graph intersects the x-axis) can be found by setting the equation equal to zero and solving for x.
Key Points:
- FOIL is a useful tool for expanding products of binomials.
- The simplified expression represents a quadratic equation.
- The result can be used for further algebraic manipulation and problem solving.