Hey I have a couple algebra questions if you don't mind helping me out :)

Write a mathematical proof to show that (x+a)(x+b) is equivalent to x^2 + ax + bx + ab

Question

Hey I have a couple algebra questions if you don't mind helping me out :)

Write a mathematical proof to show that (x+a)(x+b) is equivalent to x^2 + ax + bx + ab

genericnoodles · Answer

@mathmate

lukaryse · Answer

Like... with numbers? Or with the FOIL method

genericnoodles · Answer

numbers! It should all tie together with commutative, associative, distributive properties. I haven't learned that much in depth of how to apply it to the equation

anonymous · Answer

Well, how would you solve something like (x+3)(x+5) in the first place ? No formulas in mind or anything, just your plain method.

anonymous · Answer

Fine, let's take tune this down a little. 

How would you solve x*(x+3) ?

genericnoodles · Answer

I'm very new to algebra 1, so I'm sorry if I make some mistakes! x+3 is 3x, multiplied by x, which is 3x squared?