SOLUTION: I'm not sure if this is the category so I apologize if it's not. I have this problem that is a little differnet than the other problems I am doing and need some help. Here it is.

Algebra ->  Exponents-negative-and-fractional -> SOLUTION: I'm not sure if this is the category so I apologize if it's not. I have this problem that is a little differnet than the other problems I am doing and need some help. Here it is.       Log On


   

Question 117614: I'm not sure if this is the category so I apologize if it's not. I have this problem that is a little differnet than the other problems I am doing and need some help. Here it is.
(x-1/4)(x+1/4)what method should I used to solve this? Would I put a 1 under the x?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

%28x-1%2F4%29%28x%2B1%2F4%29 Start with the given expression

Remember, when you FOIL an expression, you follow this procedure:


Multiply the First terms:%28x%29%2A%28x%29=x%5E2


Multiply the Outer terms:%28x%29%2A%281%2F4%29=%281%2F4%29x


Multiply the Inner terms:%28-1%2F4%29%2A%28x%29=-%281%2F4%29x


Multiply the Last terms:%28-1%2F4%29%2A%281%2F4%29=-1%2F16


x%5E2%2B%281%2F4%29x-%281%2F4%29x-1%2F16 Now collect every term to make a single expression


x%5E2%2Bcross%28%281%2F4%29x-%281%2F4%29x%29-1%2F16 Combine like terms



x%5E2-1%2F16 Simplify


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Answer:
So %28x-1%2F4%29%28x%2B1%2F4%29 foils and simplifies to x%5E2-1%2F16

In other words, %28x-1%2F4%29%28x%2B1%2F4%29=x%5E2-1%2F16