Simplifying the Expression: (x-2)(x+6)+(x-3)(-4-x)
This article will guide you through simplifying the algebraic expression (x-2)(x+6)+(x-3)(-4-x).
Expanding the Expression
To begin, we need to expand the expression by using the distributive property (also known as FOIL).
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For (x-2)(x+6):
- Multiply the first terms: x * x = x²
- Multiply the outer terms: x * 6 = 6x
- Multiply the inner terms: -2 * x = -2x
- Multiply the last terms: -2 * 6 = -12
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For (x-3)(-4-x):
- Multiply the first terms: x * -4 = -4x
- Multiply the outer terms: x * -x = -x²
- Multiply the inner terms: -3 * -4 = 12
- Multiply the last terms: -3 * -x = 3x
Now, our expression looks like this: x² + 6x - 2x - 12 - 4x - x² + 12 + 3x
Combining Like Terms
Next, we combine the like terms:
- x² terms: x² - x² = 0
- x terms: 6x - 2x - 4x + 3x = 3x
- Constant terms: -12 + 12 = 0
The Simplified Expression
After combining like terms, we are left with: 0 + 3x + 0 = 3x
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (x-2)(x+6)+(x-3)(-4-x) is 3x.