Problem 22 - College Algebra Essentials

Question

Find each product. $$(x-1)(x+2)$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The product of \( (x-1)(x+2) \) is \( x^2+x-2 \).

Step 1: Apply Distributive Property 1st time

First, you should multiply \( x \) from the first brackets by both terms in the second brackets, which results in \( x^2+2x \).

Step 2: Apply Distributive Property 2nd time

Secondly, you should multiply \( -1 \) from the first brackets by both terms in the second brackets, which results in \( -x-2 \).

Step 3: Combine like terms

Now, combine all the obtained terms. This gives \( x^2+2x-x-2 \). Combining like terms, you get \( x^2+x-2 \).