Multiplying Expressions with Parentheses

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Example:

(a + b) (c + d)

 

First, use the distributive law and distribute the first factor over the second:

(a + b) (c + d)
= (a + b) c + (a + b)d

Now, distribute the c over (a + b):

(a + b) c + (a + b)d
= ac + bc + (a + b)d

Finally, distribute the d over (a + b):

ac + bc + (a + b)d
= ac + bc + ad + bd

So, we have found out:

(a + b) (c + d)
= ac + bc + ad + bd

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