Expression: (-2x^3 + x - 5) × (x^3 - 3x - 4)
a) First thing you need to do if find like terms.
• -2x^3 and x^3 are like terms
• x and -3x are like terms
• -5 and -4 are like terms
Now, multiply each like term.
• -2x^3 × x^3 = -2x^3
• x × -3 = -3
• -5 × -4 = 20
Put these products into new expression.
-2x^3 -3 +20 <=== that's your product!
b)
The products are equal because it is the same expression, just that the places of the numbers have changed.