(x%2B8)-multiply.jpeg "(x-8)(x+8) Multiply")
Multiplying (x - 8)(x + 8)
This expression represents the product of two binomials: (x - 8) and (x + 8). To multiply them, we can use the FOIL method. FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last, which refers to the order in which we multiply the terms of the binomials.
1. First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial: x * x = x²
2. Outer: Multiply the outer terms of the binomials: x * 8 = 8x
3. Inner: Multiply the inner terms of the binomials: -8 * x = -8x
4. Last: Multiply the last terms of each binomial: -8 * 8 = -64
Now, combine all the terms: x² + 8x - 8x - 64
Notice that the middle terms, 8x and -8x, cancel each other out.
Therefore, the simplified expression is: x² - 64
This result is a difference of squares, a common pattern in algebra. We can recognize it because the expression is the square of one term (x²) minus the square of another term (8²).
In general, the difference of squares pattern can be written as: (a + b)(a - b) = a² - b²
So, in our case, a = x and b = 8.