How would I simplify this? (x-2)(x+3)

To answer this question properly I would need to demonstrate this through a video as the method I would show you involves drawing lines to connect elements (method is called smiley eyebrow method). I will try to give an explanation here. So, start by drawing a line from the first x to the second x, make sure you go above the brackets. This line connects the two elements. Next draw a line from the first number to the second number. Again, go above the brackets. These two lines make your eyebrows. Next connect the first number with the second x. This time go below the brackets. Repeat with the first x and the second number. These lines are the smiles. Now the elements joined by lines need to be multiplied together. So, the two x multiplied would make x2, the two numbers would make -6, the first number and second x make -2 and the first x and second number make 3x. Now add all these together. So x^2- 6 - 2x + 3x. And simplify. So x^2 - 6 + x. Normally your solution will be rearranged to have the x squared first then the x’s and then the digit. So, your final answer is x^2 + x – 6.

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Answered by Maria S. Maths tutor

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