Multiplying Polynomial Expressions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 119 views

Introduction

Multiplying polynomial expressions is a fundamental concept in algebra that requires a clear understanding of the distributive property and the order of operations. In this article, we will guide you through the process of multiplying two polynomial expressions and provide you with a step-by-step solution to a sample problem.

What are Polynomial Expressions?

A polynomial expression is an algebraic expression that consists of variables and coefficients combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Polynomial expressions can be written in the form of:

ax^n + bx^(n-1) + cx^(n-2) + ... + k

where a, b, c, and k are constants, and x is the variable.

The Distributive Property

The distributive property is a fundamental concept in algebra that states that for any real numbers a, b, and c:

a(b + c) = ab + ac

This property can be extended to polynomial expressions, which means that we can multiply each term in one polynomial expression by each term in the other polynomial expression.

Multiplying Polynomial Expressions

To multiply two polynomial expressions, we need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS):

Multiply each term in the first polynomial expression by each term in the second polynomial expression.
Combine like terms.

Let's consider the following example:

(7x + 5)(2x^3 - 4x^2 + 9x - 3)

Step 1: Multiply Each Term in the First Polynomial Expression by Each Term in the Second Polynomial Expression

We will multiply each term in the first polynomial expression (7x + 5) by each term in the second polynomial expression (2x^3 - 4x^2 + 9x - 3).

(7x)(2x^3) = 14x^4 (7x)(-4x^2) = -28x^3 (7x)(9x) = 63x^2 (7x)(-3) = -21x

(5)(2x^3) = 10x^3 (5)(-4x^2) = -20x^2 (5)(9x) = 45x (5)(-3) = -15

Step 2: Combine Like Terms

Now, we will combine like terms:

14x^4 - 28x^3 + 63x^2 - 21x + 10x^3 - 20x^2 + 45x - 15

Combine like terms:

14x^4 + (-28x^3 + 10x^3) + (63x^2 - 20x^2) + (-21x + 45x) - 15

Simplify:

14x^4 - 18x^3 + 43x^2 + 24x - 15

Conclusion

Multiplying polynomial expressions requires a clear understanding of the distributive property and the order of operations. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can multiply two polynomial expressions and simplify the result.

Answer

The correct answer is:

C. $14x^4 - 18x^3 + 43x^2 + 24x - 15$

Discussion

This problem requires the application of the distributive property and the order of operations to multiply two polynomial expressions. The correct answer is obtained by combining like terms and simplifying the result.

Practice Problems

Multiply the polynomial expressions: (3x + 2)(x^2 - 4x + 5)
Multiply the polynomial expressions: (x^2 + 2x - 3)(x + 1)
Multiply the polynomial expressions: (2x^2 - 3x + 1)(x^2 + 2x - 3)

Solutions

(3x + 2)(x^2 - 4x + 5) = 3x^3 - 12x^2 + 15x + 2x^2 - 8x + 10 = 3x^3 - 10x^2 + 7x + 10
(x^2 + 2x - 3)(x + 1) = x^3 + 2x^2 - 3x + x^2 + 2x - 3 = x^3 + 3x^2 - x - 3
(2x^2 - 3x + 1)(x^2 + 2x - 3) = 2x^4 + 4x^3 - 6x^2 - 3x^3 - 6x^2 + 9x + x^2 + 2x - 3 = 2x^4 + x^3 - 12x^2 + 11x - 3
Multiplying Polynomial Expressions: A Q&A Guide =====================================================

Introduction

Multiplying polynomial expressions is a fundamental concept in algebra that requires a clear understanding of the distributive property and the order of operations. In this article, we will provide a Q&A guide to help you understand the process of multiplying polynomial expressions and address common questions and concerns.

Q: What is the distributive property?

A: The distributive property is a fundamental concept in algebra that states that for any real numbers a, b, and c:

a(b + c) = ab + ac

This property can be extended to polynomial expressions, which means that we can multiply each term in one polynomial expression by each term in the other polynomial expression.

Q: How do I multiply two polynomial expressions?

A: To multiply two polynomial expressions, you need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS):

Multiply each term in the first polynomial expression by each term in the second polynomial expression.
Combine like terms.

Let's consider the following example:

(7x + 5)(2x^3 - 4x^2 + 9x - 3)

Q: What is the correct order of operations?

A: The correct order of operations is:

Multiply each term in the first polynomial expression by each term in the second polynomial expression.
Combine like terms.

Q: How do I combine like terms?

A: To combine like terms, you need to add or subtract the coefficients of the same variables.

For example:

14x^4 - 28x^3 + 63x^2 - 21x + 10x^3 - 20x^2 + 45x - 15

Combine like terms:

14x^4 + (-28x^3 + 10x^3) + (63x^2 - 20x^2) + (-21x + 45x) - 15

Simplify:

14x^4 - 18x^3 + 43x^2 + 24x - 15

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when multiplying polynomial expressions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when multiplying polynomial expressions include:

Not following the order of operations
Not combining like terms
Not simplifying the result

Q: How do I simplify a polynomial expression?

A: To simplify a polynomial expression, you need to combine like terms and remove any unnecessary terms.

For example:

14x^4 - 28x^3 + 63x^2 - 21x + 10x^3 - 20x^2 + 45x - 15

Combine like terms:

14x^4 + (-28x^3 + 10x^3) + (63x^2 - 20x^2) + (-21x + 45x) - 15

Simplify:

14x^4 - 18x^3 + 43x^2 + 24x - 15

Q: What are some real-world applications of multiplying polynomial expressions?

A: Multiplying polynomial expressions has many real-world applications, including:

Calculating the area of a rectangle
Finding the volume of a cube
Determining the cost of a product
Calculating the interest on a loan

Conclusion

Multiplying polynomial expressions is a fundamental concept in algebra that requires a clear understanding of the distributive property and the order of operations. By following the steps outlined in this article and addressing common questions and concerns, you can become proficient in multiplying polynomial expressions and apply this skill to real-world problems.

Practice Problems

Multiply the polynomial expressions: (3x + 2)(x^2 - 4x + 5)
Multiply the polynomial expressions: (x^2 + 2x - 3)(x + 1)
Multiply the polynomial expressions: (2x^2 - 3x + 1)(x^2 + 2x - 3)

Solutions

(3x + 2)(x^2 - 4x + 5) = 3x^3 - 12x^2 + 15x + 2x^2 - 8x + 10 = 3x^3 - 10x^2 + 7x + 10
(x^2 + 2x - 3)(x + 1) = x^3 + 2x^2 - 3x + x^2 + 2x - 3 = x^3 + 3x^2 - x - 3
(2x^2 - 3x + 1)(x^2 + 2x - 3) = 2x^4 + 4x^3 - 6x^2 - 3x^3 - 6x^2 + 9x + x^2 + 2x - 3 = 2x^4 + x^3 - 12x^2 + 11x - 3