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Example

Simplifying (2+3)(43)(2 + \sqrt{3})(4 - \sqrt{3})

Apply the FOIL method to multiply the binomials, then simplify and combine the resulting products.

(2+3)(43)(2 + \sqrt{3})(4 - \sqrt{3})

Obtain the four products using FOIL:

  • First: 24=82 \cdot 4 = 8
  • Outer: 2(3)=232 \cdot (-\sqrt{3}) = -2\sqrt{3}
  • Inner: 34=43\sqrt{3} \cdot 4 = 4\sqrt{3}
  • Last: 3(3)=3\sqrt{3} \cdot (-\sqrt{3}) = -3

Write all four products: 823+4338 - 2\sqrt{3} + 4\sqrt{3} - 3

Combine the constant terms (83=58 - 3 = 5) and the like radical terms (23+43=23-2\sqrt{3} + 4\sqrt{3} = 2\sqrt{3}) to fully simplify the expression:

5+235 + 2\sqrt{3}

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Updated 2026-06-25

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