Chapter 10: Problem 55
Multiply and simplify. Assume all variables represent nonnegative real numbers. $$(c+9)(c-9)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The short answer is: \(c^2 - 81\)
Step by step solution
01
Identify the binomials
We have two binomials to multiply: \((c+9)\) and \((c-9)\).
02
Use the distributive property (FOIL method)
The FOIL method stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last. We'll multiply the terms accordingly:
First terms: \(c * c = c^2\)
Outer terms: \(c * -9 = -9c\)
Inner terms: \(9 * c = 9c\)
Last terms: \(9 * -9 = -81\)
03
Combine the terms
Now, we need to combine the terms obtained in the previous step:
\(c^2 - 9c + 9c - 81\)
04
Simplify the expression
We can simplify the expression by adding the like terms:
\(c^2 - 9c + 9c - 81 = c^2 - 81\)
05
Write the final simplified expression
The final simplified expression is:
\(c^2 - 81\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Binomials
A binomial is an algebraic expression that consists of two distinct terms separated by either addition or subtraction. In the exercise given, we are working with two binomials:
- (c + 9)
- (c - 9)
The Essence of the Distributive Property
The distributive property is a fundamental concept in algebra used to simplify expressions, especially when dealing with multiplication across parentheses. It states that multiplying a sum by a number is the same as multiplying each addend individually and then adding the products. This principle can be expressed as:
- \( a(b + c) = ab + ac \)
Understanding and Using the FOIL Method
The FOIL method is a handy mnemonic used to remember the order of operations when multiplying two binomials. The term FOIL stands for:
- First
- Outer
- Inner
- Last
The Process of Simplification
Simplification in algebra is the process of combining like terms to create a more concise and understandable expression. After using the FOIL method, you get terms that need to be simplified:- \( c^2 - 9c + 9c - 81 \)Notice here, the terms \(-9c\) and \(9c\) are like terms. They cancel each other out when added together. This step reduces the expression to:- \( c^2 - 81 \)This simplified expression is easier to handle and interpret, giving you the final result in its most straightforward form. Simplifying expressions allows for cleaner and more intuitive conclusions in algebra.