Multiplying Binomials: (-4x^2 - 5x - 1)(4x^2 - 6x - 2)
This article will guide you through multiplying the two binomials: (-4x^2 - 5x - 1)(4x^2 - 6x - 2). We'll use the distributive property and then simplify the resulting expression.
The Distributive Property
The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. We can apply this to multiplying binomials by thinking of each binomial as a single term.
Let's break down the multiplication:
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Distribute the first term of the first binomial:
- (-4x^2)(4x^2 - 6x - 2) = -16x^4 + 24x^3 + 8x^2
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Distribute the second term of the first binomial:
- (-5x)(4x^2 - 6x - 2) = -20x^3 + 30x^2 + 10x
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Distribute the third term of the first binomial:
- (-1)(4x^2 - 6x - 2) = -4x^2 + 6x + 2
Now, we have the following expression:
-16x^4 + 24x^3 + 8x^2 - 20x^3 + 30x^2 + 10x - 4x^2 + 6x + 2
Combining Like Terms
Finally, we combine the like terms to get our simplified answer:
-16x^4 + 4x^3 + 34x^2 + 16x + 2
Therefore, the product of (-4x^2 - 5x - 1) and (4x^2 - 6x - 2) is -16x^4 + 4x^3 + 34x^2 + 16x + 2.