Expanding (x - 4)(x + 7) to Standard Form
To express the product of the binomials (x - 4)(x + 7) in standard form, we can use the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last). This method helps us systematically multiply each term in the first binomial by each term in the second binomial.
Applying the FOIL Method
- First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial: x * x = x²
- Outer: Multiply the outer terms of the binomials: x * 7 = 7x
- Inner: Multiply the inner terms of the binomials: -4 * x = -4x
- Last: Multiply the last terms of each binomial: -4 * 7 = -28
Combining Like Terms
Now, we have: x² + 7x - 4x - 28
Combining the like terms (7x and -4x), we get:
x² + 3x - 28
Standard Form
Therefore, the standard form of the product (x - 4)(x + 7) is x² + 3x - 28.