(а + 3) (а - 6)

To simplify the expression \( (a + 3)(a - 6) \), you can use the distributive property (also known as the FOIL method for binomials). Here's how it's done step-by-step: 1. **First**: Multiply the first terms: \( a \cdot a = a^2 \). 2. **Outer**: Multiply the outer terms: \( a \cdot (-6) = -6a \). 3. **Inner**: Multiply the inner terms: \( 3 \cdot a = 3a \). 4. **Last**: Multiply the last terms: \( 3 \cdot (-6) = -18 \). Now, combine all those results together: \[ a^2 - 6a + 3a - 18 \] Combine the like terms: \[ a^2 - 3a - 18 \] So, the simplified expression is: \[ a^2 - 3a - 18 \]