Use the Distributive Property to verify which expression is equivalent to (x-5)(x-3)

A. 2x - 2
B. 3x^2 - 4x^2 - 3x - 15
C. x^2 - 2x + 15
D. x^2 - 8x + 15

1 answer

To verify which expression is equivalent to \((x-5)(x-3)\) using the Distributive Property, we will expand the original expression:

\[ (x-5)(x-3) = x(x-3) - 5(x-3) \]

Now, distribute \(x\) and \(-5\):

  1. Distributing \(x\): \[ x \cdot (x-3) = x^2 - 3x \]

  2. Distributing \(-5\): \[ -5 \cdot (x-3) = -5x + 15 \]

Now, combine the results:

\[ x^2 - 3x - 5x + 15 = x^2 - 8x + 15 \]

Thus, the expression simplifies to:

\[ x^2 - 8x + 15 \]

Now, let's compare this result with the given options:

A. \(2x - 2\) (Not equivalent)

B. \(3x^2 - 4x^2 - 3x - 15\) (Incorrect since it simplifies to a different expression)

C. \(x^2 - 2x + 15\) (Not equivalent)

D. \(x^2 - 8x + 15\) (Equivalent)

The correct answer is:

D. \(x^2 - 8x + 15\)