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Write the expression as a polynomial: (a–1)(a–4)(a+5)

1 Answer

1 vote

Answer:

a³ - 21a + 20

Explanation:

expand the first pair of factors using FOIL

= (a² - 5a + 4)(a + 5)

Now, multiply each term in the first factor by each term in the second factor

= a(a² - 5a + 4) + 5(a² - 5a + 4) ← distribute parenthesis

= a³ - 5a² + 4a + 5a² - 25a + 20 ← collect like terms

= a³ - 21a + 20


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