just to make sure: Multiply (4x + 1)(4x - 3)

[teddybear101]

Hey im trying to study for my EOCTs(End of course tests) and i want to make sure that i get the easy stuff before studing the harder stuff. so my question that i have is simple but i think i need help with it, not cause im stupid but because i want to make sure im studying the right stuff.

here is the question: Multiply (4x + 1)(4x - 3)

so i think to solve this problem i need to use the foil method. wich is first inner outher last.

so here are my steps shown.

1. First- (4x X 4x)=16x squared
2. outer-(4x X -3)= - 12x
3.inner- (1 X 4x)= 4x
4. last- (1 X -3) = -3

after this step i think i am lost. can i please have help to answer the rest of the problem step by step. all help would be very appreatiated.

[little_dragon]

add the 2 like terms (the ones in the middle) then your done!

[teddybear101]

wait so you mean i need to add 1 and 4x. im confused

[stapel_eliz]

You multiplied and got four terms. The two middle terms are "like" terms. They need to be combined.

It sounds as though some background topics were missed. To understand the help you were given, try reviewing "like" terms, adding polynomials, and multiplying polynomials. Then the advice should make sense.

[teddybear101]

thank you for you your help