Question

using tiles to multiply two binomials
multiply ((x + 3)(x - 4))
what is the middle term in the simplified product?
( circ ) ( x )
( circ ) ( -x )
( circ ) ( 3x )
( circ ) ( -4x )

Explanation:

Step1: Apply distributive property (FOIL)

$(x+3)(x-4) = x\cdot x + x\cdot(-4) + 3\cdot x + 3\cdot(-4)$

Step2: Calculate each term

$= x^2 -4x +3x -12$

Step3: Combine like x terms

$= x^2 + (-4x+3x) -12 = x^2 -x -12$

Answer:

$\boldsymbol{-x}$ (Option: $\boldsymbol{-x}$)