Question

Find the product. $$ (x-4)(x+5) $$

Short answer

The product of \((x-4)\) and \((x+5)\) is \(x^2+x-20\).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the First terms

In the two binomials \((x-4)\) and \((x+5)\), the first terms are \(x\) and \(x\). Multiply these together to get \(x^2\).

Identify the Outer terms

The outer terms are \(x\) from the first binomial and \(5\) from the second binomial. Multiply these together to get \(5x\).

Identify the Inner terms

The inner terms are \(-4\) from the first binomial and \(x\) from the second binomial. Multiply these together to get \(-4x\).

Identify the Last terms

The last terms are \(-4\) from the first binomial and \(5\) from the second binomial. Multiply these together to get \(-20\).

Sum all the products

Add all the products together: \(x^2+5x-4x-20\). Combine like terms to simplify: \(x^2+x-20\).