write the general form of

f(x)=4(x-1)^-8
(x-1) (x-1)=
4(x^-2x+1)-8
4x^-2x-8

2 answers

Use a number with exponents.

4(x-1)^2 - 8
4(x^2-2x+1)-8
4x^2-8x+4-8
4x^2-8x-4

You must multiply the 4 by each term in the parentheses, not just the first one.

4(2+6) = 4*2 + 4*6 = 8+24 = 32
NOT
4(2+6) = 4*2+6 = 8+6 = 14

after all, 2+6=8, and 4*8 = 32
f(x) = 4(x-1)^2 - 8
= 4(x^2 - 2x + 1) - 8
= 4x^2 - 8x + 4 - 8
= 4x^2 - 8x - 4