Expand (x+3)(x-2)

Expand and distribute algebraic expressions using FOIL and distribution.

Expression

Answer

x^2 + x − 6

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

(x+3)(x-2)

Step 1 — Apply the FOIL method

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

First: x · x = x²

Outer: x · 3 = 3x

Inner: -2 · x = -2x

Last: -2 · 3 = -6

Step 2 — Add all products and combine like terms

Write out all four products:

x² + 3x − 2x − 6

Combine the like terms:

3x − 2x = x

= x² + x − 6

x² + x − 6

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

To expand (x+3)(x-2), distribute each term across the other factor and combine like terms. The result is x^2 + x − 6.

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 (x+3)(x-2)?
The answer is x^2 + x − 6.

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.