Question

What is the product of ( x + 3) ( x - 4)?

I'm sure its x^2 - x - 12, but I wanted to double-check :D

Answer 1

Answer: x² - x - 12

Step-by-step explanation: When multiplying two binomials together, we can use the F.O.I.L. method.

First, Outer, Inner, Last.

We take the product of the first terms which is x² plus the product of the outer terms which is -4x plus the product of the inner terms which is 3x plus the product of the last terms which is -12.

So we have x² - 4x + 3x - 12.

Simplifying from here by combing the middle terms, we have x² - x - 12.

Pay very close attention to your positives and negatives as you F.O.I.L. because this is the area where most mistakes occur.