Answer: 12x² - 5x - 2
Concept:
When doing questions that need to expand algebraic expressions, using the FOIL method will ease the process:
- First means that we multiply the terms which occur in the first position of each binomial.
- Outer means that we multiply the terms which are located in both ends (outermost) of the two binomials when written side-by-side.
- Inner means that we multiply the middle two terms of the binomials when written side-by-side.
- Last means that we multiply the terms which occur in the last position of each binomial.
Solve:
Given expression
(3x - 2) (4x + 1)
Expand parentheses and apply the FOIL method
First: 3x · 4x = 12x²
Outer: 3x · 1 = 3x
Inner: (-2) · 4x = -8x
Last: (-2) · 1 = -2
12x² + 3x - 8x - 2
Combine like terms
12x² + (3x - 8x) - 2
Hope this helps!! :)
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