Simplifying the Expression: (x+7)^2 + 6(x^2 - 10)
This article will guide you through simplifying the algebraic expression: (x+7)^2 + 6(x^2 - 10). We will break down the steps involved in expanding and combining like terms to reach a simplified form.
Expanding the Expression
-
Expanding the Square: We begin by expanding the squared term, (x+7)^2. Remember that squaring a binomial means multiplying it by itself:
(x+7)^2 = (x+7)(x+7)
To multiply these binomials, we can use the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last):
- First: x * x = x^2
- Outer: x * 7 = 7x
- Inner: 7 * x = 7x
- Last: 7 * 7 = 49
Combining the terms, we get: x^2 + 7x + 7x + 49 = x^2 + 14x + 49
-
Expanding the Second Term: Next, we distribute the 6 to the terms inside the parentheses:
6(x^2 - 10) = 6x^2 - 60
Combining Like Terms
Now, we can combine the terms we expanded in the previous steps:
(x+7)^2 + 6(x^2 - 10) = (x^2 + 14x + 49) + (6x^2 - 60)
Combine the x^2 terms, the x terms, and the constant terms:
= x^2 + 6x^2 + 14x + 49 - 60
= 7x^2 + 14x - 11
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (x+7)^2 + 6(x^2 - 10) is 7x^2 + 14x - 11. This process involves expanding the squared term, distributing, and combining like terms to reach a simplified expression.