Expanding the Expression (x+8)(x+9)
This article will guide you through the process of expanding the expression (x+8)(x+9) using the FOIL method.
Understanding the FOIL Method
FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last. It's a mnemonic device that helps you remember the steps to multiply two binomials. Here's how it works:
- First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial.
- Outer: Multiply the outer terms of each binomial.
- Inner: Multiply the inner terms of each binomial.
- Last: Multiply the last terms of each binomial.
Applying FOIL to (x+8)(x+9)
- First: x * x = x²
- Outer: x * 9 = 9x
- Inner: 8 * x = 8x
- Last: 8 * 9 = 72
Now, we have the following terms: x² + 9x + 8x + 72
Combining Like Terms
The final step is to combine the like terms: 9x and 8x.
This gives us our expanded expression: x² + 17x + 72
Conclusion
Therefore, the expanded form of (x+8)(x+9) is x² + 17x + 72. This process demonstrates how the FOIL method can be applied to expand binomials and simplify expressions.