Simplify the expression: (x - 6)(x + 5)

Solution:

To simplify the expression \( (x - 6)(x + 5) \), we use the distributive property (also known as FOIL):

1. Multiply the First terms: \( x \times x = x^2 \)
2. Multiply the Outer terms: \( x \times 5 = 5x \)
3. Multiply the Inner terms: \( -6 \times x = -6x \)
4. Multiply the Last terms: \( -6 \times 5 = -30 \)
5. Combine the terms: \( x^2 + 5x - 6x - 30 \)
6. Combine like terms (the x terms): \( x^2 + (5x - 6x) - 30 = x^2 - x - 30 \)

Answer: x² - x - 30