16Hit1600
Advanced MathMediumA difference that is constant

Advanced Math practice question

For every value of x, the expression (x + 2)(x + 3) − x(x + 5) is equal to the same constant. What is that constant?

Answer: 6

(x + 2)(x + 3) = x² + 5x + 6 and x(x + 5) = x² + 5x. Their difference is 6.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 0
0 would need the constants to cancel too; only the x² and 5x terms cancel.
If you answered 5
5 is the coefficient that cancels, not what remains.
If you answered -6
−6 has the wrong sign (subtracting in the wrong order).

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