Expanding the Expression: (1/2a - 3b)(3b + 1/2a)(1/4a^2 + 9b^2)
This expression involves multiplying three binomials together, which can be done in a systematic way using the distributive property or by recognizing certain patterns. Let's break down the steps:
Step 1: Multiply the first two binomials
We have (1/2a - 3b)(3b + 1/2a). This resembles the pattern of a difference of squares: (x - y)(x + y) = x² - y².
Let's apply this pattern:
- x = 1/2a
- y = 3b
Therefore: (1/2a - 3b)(3b + 1/2a) = (1/2a)² - (3b)² = 1/4a² - 9b²
Step 2: Multiply the result from Step 1 by the remaining binomial
Now we have (1/4a² - 9b²)(1/4a² + 9b²). Again, this resembles the difference of squares pattern:
- x = 1/4a²
- y = 9b²
Therefore: (1/4a² - 9b²)(1/4a² + 9b²) = (1/4a²)² - (9b²)² = 1/16a⁴ - 81b⁴
Final Result
The expanded form of the expression (1/2a - 3b)(3b + 1/2a)(1/4a² + 9b²) is 1/16a⁴ - 81b⁴.