Multiplying Polynomials
To multiply polynomials, multiply each term of the first polynomial by each
term of the second polynomial and then combine like terms.
In the next example we multiply binomials.
Example
Multiplying binomials
Find the products.
a) (x + y)(z + 4)
b) (x - 3)(2x + 5)
Solution
| a) (x + y)(z + 4) |
= (x + y)z + (x + y)4 |
Distributive property |
| |
= xz + yz + 4x + 4y |
Distributive property |
Notice that this product does not have any like terms to combine.
b) Multiply:
| |
|
x |
- |
3 |
| |
|
2x |
+ |
5 |
| |
|
5x |
- |
15 |
|
2x2 |
- |
6x |
|
|
| 2x2 |
- |
x |
- |
15 |
|