Question

find the product: (x + 5)(x - 4)
options:
x² + 1x - 20
x² + 9x - 20
x² - 9x + 20
x² - 1x - 20

Explanation:

Step1: Apply FOIL method

Multiply the First terms: \(x \times x = x^2\)
Multiply the Outer terms: \(x \times (-4) = -4x\)
Multiply the Inner terms: \(5 \times x = 5x\)
Multiply the Last terms: \(5 \times (-4) = -20\)

Step2: Combine like terms

Combine the middle terms: \(-4x + 5x = x\)
So the product is \(x^2 + x - 20\)

Answer:

\(x^2 + x - 20\) (corresponding to the first option among the given choices)