Put the steps in the correct order when multiplying the binomials:  (2x−5)(x+7) . Start with the given expression and end with the simplified trinomial.

A) 2x^2 + 9x - 35
B) (2x - 5) (x + 7)
C) (2x) (x) + (2x) (7) + (-5) (x) + (-5) (7)
D) 2x^2 + 14x - 5x - 35

1 answer

To multiply the binomials \( (2x - 5)(x + 7) \), the correct order of steps is as follows:

  1. Start with the given expression:

    • B) \( (2x - 5) (x + 7) \)
  2. Expand using the distributive property (also known as the FOIL method for binomials):

    • C) \( (2x) (x) + (2x) (7) + (-5) (x) + (-5) (7) \)
  3. Combine like terms:

    • D) \( 2x^2 + 14x - 5x - 35 \)
  4. Simplify:

    • A) \( 2x^2 + 9x - 35 \)

In order, the steps are: B, C, D, A.