AllExperts > Basic Math 
Search      
Basic Math
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Basic Math Questions · Answer Library  · Encyclopedia ·
More Basic Math Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Basic Math
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
 
About Wei Chong
Expertise
I can help you out with topics such as Algebra, Fractions, Exponents and Graphs. I'll guide you in solving math problems using logical step-by-step explanations.

Experience
I was a part time tutor for 5 years tutoring students in many subjects including mathematics.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering, A-levels

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Science > Math for Kids > Basic Math > multiply out the brackets

Basic Math - multiply out the brackets


Expert: Wei Chong - 6/19/2008

Question
(-1x)(x-9)

Answer
Hi Ernesto,

To remove the brackets, first you have to understand the basics behind removing brackets. If you not so sure about it, the following link contains a lesson on it (scroll down the page to watch the math video):

http://www.mathexpression.com/simplifying-algebraic-expressions.html

With the basics in mind, let's solve your question step-by-step:

1) After going through the removing brackets lesson about, we should know that we can remove the terms by multiplying all the terms in the brackets with the term outside the brackets.

In summary, if we are asked to remove the brackets in A(B-C), we should get:
         
  A(B - C) = AB - AC


2) So now, using A(B - C) = AB - AC as a guide, we get:

  (-1x)(x - 9) = (-1x)*(x) - (-1x)*(9) <-- we need to simplify this
               = -1x^2 -(-9x)  <-- '-' multiply by '-' gives '+'
               = -1x^2 + 9x   <-- -1x^2 can be written as -x^2
               = -x^2 + 9x   <--here's the answer.


Best Regards,
Wei Chong  

Add to this Answer    Ask a Question



  Rate this Answer
   Was this answer helpful?
Not at allDefinitely              
   12345  

Email this page
     
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2006 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.