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Chapter 51: Multiplying and Dividing Polynomials

Distributive Property

  • Definition: A property used to multiply a term by each term inside parentheses.

  • Example: Simplifying the expression x²(x³ + 7y).

    • Step 1: Apply the distributive property: x² * (x³ + 7y) = (x² * x³) + (x² * 7y)

    • Step 2: Multiply exponents with the same base (add exponents): x² * x³ = x²+3 = x⁵.

    • Final simplified expression: x⁵ + 7x²y.

    • Note: x⁵ and 7x²y are NOT like terms.

Multiplying Monomials and Binomials

  • Example: Simplification of x²(x³ + 7y).

    • Calculation: x² * x³ = x⁵ and 7y * x² = 7x²y.

    • Result: x²(x³ + 7y) = x⁵ + 7x²y.

  • Example: Simplifying a³b(a²b¹ + ab²).

    • Use distributive property and combine like terms.

    • Result: a⁵b³.

Multiplying More Complex