Expanding and Simplifying (x - 3)(x - 6)
This article will guide you through the process of expanding and simplifying the expression (x - 3)(x - 6).
Understanding the Process
Expanding and simplifying an expression like this involves applying the distributive property, often referred to as FOIL (First, Outer, Inner, Last). This method helps us multiply each term in the first binomial by each term in the second binomial.
Applying FOIL
1. First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial: x * x = x²
2. Outer: Multiply the outer terms of each binomial: x * -6 = -6x
3. Inner: Multiply the inner terms of each binomial: -3 * x = -3x
4. Last: Multiply the last terms of each binomial: -3 * -6 = 18
Combining Like Terms
Now we have the expanded expression: x² - 6x - 3x + 18
Combine the like terms (-6x and -3x):
x² - 9x + 18
Simplified Expression
Therefore, the simplified form of (x - 3)(x - 6) is x² - 9x + 18.