numerical coefficients

Question

In Algebra 1 I am given the following problem:

 

Give the numerical coefficient of the second-degree term within the product (x - 7)(x+9)

 

Please help me.

Answer 1

We can use FOIL to determine this. FOIL = First, Outer, Inner, Last with respect to the terms of the binomial expression.

(x - 7)(x + 9) = x² + 9x - 7x - 63 = x² + 2x - 63

 

The coefficient of the 2nd degree term is the coefficient of the x² term, which is 1.