(a-8)(a-9)
a^2-9a-8a+72 = a^2 -17a+72
(2x-1)(x+2)
FOIL
a^2-17a+72
To simplify the expression (a-8)(a-9), you can use the distributive property. Multiplying these two binomials involves multiplying each term in the first binomial with each term in the second binomial. Here is the step-by-step process:
1. Multiply the first term of the first binomial (a) with each term in the second binomial (a-9).
a * a = a^2
a * -9 = -9a
2. Multiply the second term of the first binomial (-8) with each term in the second binomial (a-9).
-8 * a = -8a
-8 * -9 = 72
3. Combine the like terms obtained from the previous steps.
The like terms are -9a and -8a, which combine to give -17a.
4. Add up all the terms obtained so far.
a^2 - 9a - 8a + 72
5. Simplify the expression by combining like terms.
a^2 - 17a + 72
Therefore, the simplified form of (a-8)(a-9) is a^2 - 17a + 72.