(x-1)(x-2)(x-3)(x-4) Simplify

2 min read Jun 17, 2024
(x-1)(x-2)(x-3)(x-4) Simplify

Simplifying the Expression (x-1)(x-2)(x-3)(x-4)

This expression represents the product of four linear factors. To simplify it, we need to expand the product. We can do this step by step:

Step 1: Expand the first two factors

(x-1)(x-2) = x² - 3x + 2

Step 2: Expand the last two factors

(x-3)(x-4) = x² - 7x + 12

Step 3: Multiply the results from Step 1 and Step 2

(x² - 3x + 2)(x² - 7x + 12) = x⁴ - 10x³ + 35x² - 50x + 24

Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (x-1)(x-2)(x-3)(x-4) is x⁴ - 10x³ + 35x² - 50x + 24.

Key Points:

  • This method involves expanding the product term by term.
  • The final result is a polynomial of degree 4.
  • Remember to distribute each term correctly when multiplying.

Note: This simplified form can be further analyzed for its roots (where the expression equals zero) or its behavior (how it changes with different values of x).

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