Question

How do you solve `(x-1)(x+4)=14`?

Answer 1

The answer is `x=-6 and 3`

Explanation:

First, use the double distributive property (FOIL method) to multiply `(x-1)` and `(x+4)` together, which gives you `x^2` `+` `4x` `-` `x` `-` `4` `=` `14`

Simplify the like terms: `x^2` `+` `3x` `-` `4` `=` `14`

Next, set the equation equal to zero by subtracting 14 from both sides: `x^2` `+` `3x` `-` `18` `=` `0`

Then, factor the equation: `(x+6)(x-3)` `=` `0`

Set each quantity each to zero and solve for `x`