Expand (x+4)(x-4)=33 to give values of x

Use FOIL to expand the brackets. To do this, we start by multiplying the FIRST value in each bracket which in this case is x so we get x^2. Then we multiply the OUTSIDE two values, so here that is x and -4 so we get -4x. Then we multiply the INSIDE two values which is x and 4 so we get 4x and then finally the LAST two values giving us 4x-4 which is -16. Then we add up all the four values so we get:x^2 - 4x + 4x - 16 = 33We can then simplify this down by cancelling out the +4x and the -4x so we get:x^2 - 16 = 33Then we carry the '-16' over to the other side of the = sign because we are grouping like terms in order to simplify. To get rid of the '-16' on the left we have to add 16. Whatever we do to one side of the = we have to do to the other so we add 16 to the '33' on the other side giving us 49 so we know x^2=49 therefore x must equal 7 or -7

AB
Answered by Aria B. Maths tutor

3573 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

25^(3/2)


Show that a parallelogram is composed of an isosceles trapezium and an isosceles triangle


How to use trigonometry to find angles or lengths


A ladder 6.2m long is leaning against a wall. The bottom of the ladder is 0.8m from the wall. Calculate the distance the ladder reaches up the wall, giving your answer to two decimal points.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning