(x + 7) (x - 4) First, apply the FOIL method (a + b) (c + d) = ac + ad + bc + bd / Your problem should look like: - 4x + 7x - 28 Second, gather the like terms. / Your problem should look like: + (-4x + 7x) - 28 Third, simplify. / Your problem should look like: + 3x - 28