Verify the Expansion: (a+4)(x+b+c)=ax+ab+ac+4

Algebraic Expansion with Distribution Errors

Is equality correct?

(a+4)(x+b+c)=ax+ab+ac+4 (a+4)(x+b+c)=ax+ab+ac+4

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Are the expressions equal?
00:03 Find the common factor
00:08 Take out the factor from the parentheses
00:12 Compare the terms of the expressions, we see they are different
00:17 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Is equality correct?

(a+4)(x+b+c)=ax+ab+ac+4 (a+4)(x+b+c)=ax+ab+ac+4

2

Step-by-step solution

To address the question about the equality, we will simplify both sides of the given expression:

The left-hand side of the expression is (a+4)(x+b+c)(a+4)(x+b+c).

  • Applying the distributive property, expand (a+4)(a+4) over (x+b+c)(x+b+c):

(a+4)(x+b+c)=a(x+b+c)+4(x+b+c)(a+4)(x+b+c) = a(x+b+c) + 4(x+b+c).

Next, further distribute aa and 44 over each term inside the parentheses:

a(x+b+c)=ax+ab+aca(x+b+c) = ax + ab + ac
4(x+b+c)=4x+4b+4c4(x+b+c) = 4x + 4b + 4c.

So, the expanded form becomes:

ax+ab+ac+4x+4b+4cax + ab + ac + 4x + 4b + 4c.

Comparing this with the right-hand side, which is ax+ab+ac+4ax + ab + ac + 4, observe that:

  • Both sides have the terms ax+ab+acax + ab + ac.
  • However, the left-hand side has additional terms 4x+4b+4c4x + 4b + 4c which the right-hand side does not include.
  • The constant term 44 on the right-hand side does not match these additional terms.

Thus, the equality (a+4)(x+b+c)=ax+ab+ac+4(a+4)(x+b+c) = ax + ab + ac + 4 is not correct.

Therefore, the expression is only right if stated differently. Reviewing the choices:

  • Choice 2 correctly presents the restructured expression that would validate the equality: (x+b+c)a+4(x+b+c)a+4.

Hence, the correct response is choice 2: No, it would be true if the expression were (x+b+c)a+4(x+b+c)a+4.

3

Final Answer

No, it would be true if the expression were (x+b+c)a+4 (x+b+c)a+4

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Distribution Rule: Apply each term to every term inside parentheses
  • Technique: (a+4)(x+b+c)=ax+ab+ac+4x+4b+4c (a+4)(x+b+c) = ax + ab + ac + 4x + 4b + 4c
  • Check: Count terms on both sides: left has 6 terms, right has 4 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to distribute all terms completely
    Don't just distribute a to get ax + ab + ac and stop there = missing 4x + 4b + 4c! This gives an incomplete expansion that doesn't equal the original expression. Always distribute every term in the first binomial to every term in the second.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( (3+20)\times(12+4)= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why doesn't (a+4)(x+b+c) equal ax+ab+ac+4?

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Because you must distribute both terms! The term 4 also multiplies (x+b+c) (x+b+c) , giving you 4x+4b+4c 4x + 4b + 4c , not just 4.

How do I remember to distribute everything?

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Use the FOIL method or think "each term touches every term." Every term in the first parentheses must multiply every term in the second parentheses.

What would make the equality true?

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The expression (x+b+c)a+4 (x+b+c)a + 4 would work because it gives ax+ab+ac+4 ax + ab + ac + 4 when distributed, matching the right side exactly.

Can I check my expansion by substituting numbers?

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Yes! Try a=1,x=1,b=1,c=1 a=1, x=1, b=1, c=1 . Left side: (1+4)(1+1+1)=15 (1+4)(1+1+1) = 15 . Right side: 1+1+1+4=7 1+1+1+4 = 7 . Not equal!

Why is algebraic expansion important?

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Expansion helps you simplify expressions, solve equations, and understand how terms combine. It's essential for factoring, graphing, and advanced algebra topics.

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