Question

Multiply the following binomials. Write in descending order of degree.

What is the coefficient of the third term?

(3x + 2)(7x - 8)

Answer 1

(3x + 2)(7x - 8)

21x^2 - 24x + 14x -16

21x^2 -10x - 16

The power descending order is 2, 1 and 0.

You see, -16 = -16x^0. As you know, x^0 = 1.

So, the coefficient of the third terms is -16.

Answer 2

Explanation:

if you multiply the polynomials

(3x+2)(7x-8)=21x^2-24x+14x-16=21x^2-10x-16

coefficient of the third term -16