Multiplying and Simplifying Expressions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 28 views

Introduction

In algebra, multiplying and simplifying expressions is a crucial skill that helps us solve complex equations and problems. When we multiply two or more expressions, we need to apply the rules of exponents and combine like terms to simplify the resulting expression. In this article, we will explore the process of multiplying and simplifying algebraic expressions, using the given example: $5m^3n(3m^4n - 4n^3 + 2m^5n^2)$ .

Understanding the Problem

The given expression is a product of two expressions: $5m^3n$ and $(3m^4n - 4n^3 + 2m^5n^2)$ . To multiply these expressions, we need to apply the distributive property, which states that for any real numbers $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ , $a(b + c) = ab + ac$ . In this case, we will multiply each term in the first expression by each term in the second expression.

Multiplying the Expressions

To multiply the expressions, we will start by multiplying the first term in the first expression, $5m^3n$ , by each term in the second expression:

$5m^3n \cdot 3m^4n = 15m^7n^2$

$5m^3n \cdot -4n^3 = -20m^3n^4$

$5m^3n \cdot 2m^5n^2 = 10m^8n^3$

Combining Like Terms

Now that we have multiplied each term in the first expression by each term in the second expression, we can combine like terms to simplify the resulting expression. Like terms are terms that have the same variable and exponent. In this case, we can combine the terms with the same exponent of $m$ and $n$ :

$15m^7n^2 - 20m^3n^4 + 10m^8n^3$

Simplifying the Expression

To simplify the expression, we need to combine the terms with the same exponent of $m$ and $n$ . We can start by combining the terms with the same exponent of $m$ :

$15m^7n^2 - 20m^3n^4 + 10m^8n^3$

We can see that the terms with the exponent of $m$ are $15m^7n^2$ , $-20m^3n^4$ , and $10m^8n^3$ . We can combine these terms by adding or subtracting their coefficients:

$15m^7n^2 - 20m^3n^4 + 10m^8n^3 = 15m^7n^2 + 10m^8n^3 - 20m^3n^4$

Final Answer

The final answer is:

$15m^7n^2 + 10m^8n^3 - 20m^3n^4$

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the process of multiplying and simplifying algebraic expressions. We have used the given example to demonstrate how to multiply expressions and combine like terms to simplify the resulting expression. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can multiply and simplify algebraic expressions with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distributive property? The distributive property is a rule of algebra that states that for any real numbers $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ , $a(b + c) = ab + ac$ .
How do I multiply expressions? To multiply expressions, you need to apply the distributive property, which states that for any real numbers $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ , $a(b + c) = ab + ac$ .
How do I combine like terms? To combine like terms, you need to add or subtract the coefficients of the terms with the same variable and exponent.

Additional Resources

Algebraic Expressions: A comprehensive guide to algebraic expressions, including rules of exponents and combining like terms.
Multiplying and Simplifying Expressions: A step-by-step guide to multiplying and simplifying algebraic expressions.
Distributive Property: A detailed explanation of the distributive property and how to apply it to multiply expressions.

Final Thoughts

Multiplying and simplifying algebraic expressions is a crucial skill that helps us solve complex equations and problems. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can multiply and simplify algebraic expressions with confidence. Remember to apply the distributive property and combine like terms to simplify the resulting expression. With practice and patience, you can become proficient in multiplying and simplifying algebraic expressions.

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the process of multiplying and simplifying algebraic expressions. However, we know that practice makes perfect, and there's no better way to practice than by answering questions and solving problems. In this article, we'll provide a Q&A guide to help you master the art of multiplying and simplifying algebraic expressions.

Q&A: Multiplying and Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Q1: What is the distributive property, and how do I apply it to multiply expressions?

A1: The distributive property is a rule of algebra that states that for any real numbers $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ , $a(b + c) = ab + ac$ . To apply the distributive property, you need to multiply each term in the first expression by each term in the second expression.

Q2: How do I multiply expressions with exponents?

A2: When multiplying expressions with exponents, you need to add the exponents of the same base. For example, $a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}$ .

Q3: How do I combine like terms?

A3: To combine like terms, you need to add or subtract the coefficients of the terms with the same variable and exponent. For example, $2x^2 + 3x^2 = 5x^2$ .

Q4: What is the difference between multiplying and simplifying expressions?

A4: Multiplying expressions involves applying the distributive property and combining like terms to simplify the resulting expression. Simplifying expressions involves reducing the expression to its simplest form by combining like terms and eliminating any unnecessary terms.

Q5: How do I simplify expressions with negative exponents?

A5: When simplifying expressions with negative exponents, you need to rewrite the expression with positive exponents. For example, $a^{-m} = \frac{1}{a^m}$ .

Q6: Can I simplify expressions with variables in the denominator?

A6: Yes, you can simplify expressions with variables in the denominator by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator. For example, $\frac{a}{a+b} = \frac{a(a+b)}{(a+b)(a+b)} = \frac{a^2+ab}{a^2+b^2}$ .

Q7: How do I simplify expressions with fractions?

A7: When simplifying expressions with fractions, you need to multiply the numerator and denominator by the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. For example, $\frac{a}{b} + \frac{c}{d} = \frac{ad+bc}{bd}$ .

Q8: Can I simplify expressions with absolute values?

A8: Yes, you can simplify expressions with absolute values by removing the absolute value sign and considering both positive and negative cases. For example, $|a| = a$ if $a \geq 0$ and $|a| = -a$ if $a < 0$ .

Practice Problems

Problem 1

Multiply and simplify the expression: $2x^2(3x^3 - 4x + 2)$

Problem 2

Simplify the expression: $\frac{a}{b} + \frac{c}{d}$

Problem 3

Simplify the expression: $|a| + |b|$

Problem 4

Multiply and simplify the expression: $3x^2(2x^3 - 5x + 1)$

Problem 5

Simplify the expression: $\frac{a}{a+b} + \frac{c}{d}$

Solutions

Problem 1

$2x^2(3x^3 - 4x + 2) = 6x^5 - 8x^3 + 4x^2$

Problem 2

$\frac{a}{b} + \frac{c}{d} = \frac{ad+bc}{bd}$

Problem 3

$|a| + |b| = a + b$ if $a \geq 0$ and $b \geq 0$ and $a + b$ if $a < 0$ and $b < 0$

Problem 4

$3x^2(2x^3 - 5x + 1) = 6x^5 - 15x^3 + 3x^2$

Problem 5

$\frac{a}{a+b} + \frac{c}{d} = \frac{ad+bc}{(a+b)d}$

Conclusion

In this article, we've provided a Q&A guide to help you master the art of multiplying and simplifying algebraic expressions. We've covered topics such as the distributive property, multiplying expressions with exponents, combining like terms, and simplifying expressions with negative exponents, variables in the denominator, fractions, and absolute values. By practicing the problems and solutions provided in this article, you'll become proficient in multiplying and simplifying algebraic expressions.