SOLUTION: Okay, I have looked at this a dozen ways and I am not getting it. I thought I knew it, but not so much. I have checked my answer against the back of the book and keep getting it wr

Algebra ->  Distributive-associative-commutative-properties -> SOLUTION: Okay, I have looked at this a dozen ways and I am not getting it. I thought I knew it, but not so much. I have checked my answer against the back of the book and keep getting it wr      Log On


   



Question 462278: Okay, I have looked at this a dozen ways and I am not getting it. I thought I knew it, but not so much. I have checked my answer against the back of the book and keep getting it wrong. Here is is:
(x+4)(x-5)-(x+3)(x-6)
Tried FOIL and distributive and I am very frustrated...Thanks for your help
-Matt

Answer by nerdybill(7384) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(x+4)(x-5)-(x+3)(x-6)
Yes, you would begin by FOILing:
(x^2-5x+4x-20)-(x^2-6x+3x-18)
(x^2-x-20)-(x^2-3x-18)
Now, distribute the "negative sign" to each term inside right parenthesis:
x^2-x-20-x^2+3x+18
-x-20+3x+18
2x-20+18
2x-2