Solving the Equation (x-3)(x+7)-(x-9)(x+9)=24
This article will guide you through the steps to solve the given equation: (x-3)(x+7)-(x-9)(x+9)=24.
Step 1: Expand the Products
We start by expanding the products using the distributive property or the FOIL method:
- (x-3)(x+7) = x² + 4x - 21
- (x-9)(x+9) = x² - 81
Now, the equation becomes:
(x² + 4x - 21) - (x² - 81) = 24
Step 2: Simplify the Equation
Simplify the equation by combining like terms:
- x² + 4x - 21 - x² + 81 = 24
- 4x + 60 = 24
Step 3: Isolate the Variable
Subtract 60 from both sides of the equation to isolate the term containing the variable:
- 4x + 60 - 60 = 24 - 60
- 4x = -36
Step 4: Solve for x
Divide both sides of the equation by 4 to solve for x:
- 4x / 4 = -36 / 4
- x = -9
Solution
Therefore, the solution to the equation (x-3)(x+7)-(x-9)(x+9)=24 is x = -9.