Question

The expression (2x + 1)4 is expanded and simplified. Which monomial listed below is a term in the result? 8x3 12x3 32x3 48x3

Answer 1

32x^3

It is helpful if you designate exponents with a caret (^). We expect the expanded form of (2x+1)4 to be 8x+4. (2x+1)^4 is entirely different. Similarly, 8x3 = 24x, is the answer to the question

Answer 2

32x^3

Explanation:

`(2x+1)^4=(2x)^4+4(2x)^3(1)+6(2x)^2(1)^2+4(2x)(1)^3+(1)^4\\\\=16x^4 +\boxed{32x^3} +24x^2+8x+1`

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Comment on the question

It is helpful if you designate exponents with a caret (^). We expect the expanded form of (2x+1)4 to be 8x+4. (2x+1)^4 is entirely different. Similarly, 8x3 = 24x, whereas 8x^3 is something else.