stumped by this problem ("expansion of products"): given (x+b)(x-1)=x2+3x-4, find "b"
Question is find the value of 'b' in the equation: (x+b)(x-1)=x2+3x-4
I reduced the equation as follows:
The answer key says that it is 4, as does wolfram alpha - but neither offer a step by step solution.
I am just starting with maths as an adult in order to rewrite my High School levels. I never took it past the early years of high school and not till the end.
Would appreciate a hint as to where to read up, or what the name of the problem is...
Thanks
Question is find the value of 'b' in the equation: (x+b)(x-1)=x2+3x-4
I reduced the equation as follows:
- x2-x+bx-b=x2+3x-4
- x2-x+bx-b=x2+3x-4
- bx-b=2x-4
The answer key says that it is 4, as does wolfram alpha - but neither offer a step by step solution.
I am just starting with maths as an adult in order to rewrite my High School levels. I never took it past the early years of high school and not till the end.
Would appreciate a hint as to where to read up, or what the name of the problem is...
Thanks