Expand (x-3)(x+3)

Expand and distribute algebraic expressions using FOIL and distribution.

Expression

Answer

x^2 − 9

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

(x-3)(x+3)

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: -3 · x = -3x

Last: -3 · 3 = -9

Step 2 — Add all products and combine like terms

Write out all four products:

x² + 3x − 3x − 9

Combine the like terms:

3x − 3x = 0

= x² − 9

x² − 9

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

To expand (x-3)(x+3), distribute each term across the other factor and combine like terms. The result is x^2 − 9.

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+3)?
The answer is x^2 − 9.

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.