Expand (2x+3)(x-1)

Expand and distribute algebraic expressions using FOIL and distribution.

Expression

Answer

2x^2 + x − 3

To expand (2x+3)(x-1), use the FOIL method — multiply each term in the first binomial by each term in the second, then combine like terms.

(2x+3)(x-1)

Step 1 — Apply the FOIL method

FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last — multiply each pair of terms:

First: x · 2x = 2x²

Outer: x · 3 = 3x

Inner: -1 · 2x = -2x

Last: -1 · 3 = -3

Step 2 — Add all products and combine like terms

Write out all four products:

2x² + 3x − 2x − 3

Combine the like terms:

3x − 2x = x

= 2x² + x − 3

2x² + x − 3

How to expand (2x+3)(x-1)

To expand (2x+3)(x-1), distribute each term across the other factor and combine like terms. The result is 2x^2 + x − 3.

This is a algebraic expansion — we multiply out brackets and simplify. For binomials, the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last) is commonly used.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to (2x+3)(x-1)?
The answer is 2x^2 + x − 3.

What method is used?
the distributive property (FOIL for two binomials) — multiply each term in one factor by every term in the other, then combine like terms.