Expanding the Expression (1−4m)(m2−3m+8)
This article will explore how to expand the expression (1−4m)(m2−3m+8) using the distributive property.
Understanding the Distributive Property
The distributive property states that multiplying a sum by a number is the same as multiplying each addend by the number and then adding the products. Mathematically, this can be expressed as:
a(b + c) = ab + ac
Expanding the Expression
To expand the expression (1−4m)(m2−3m+8), we can use the distributive property twice:
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Distribute (1−4m) over the terms in the second set of parentheses:
(1−4m)(m2−3m+8) = (1)(m2−3m+8) + (-4m)(m2−3m+8)
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Distribute the constants 1 and -4m over the terms within the parentheses:
(1)(m2−3m+8) + (-4m)(m2−3m+8) = (m2 - 3m + 8) + (-4m3 + 12m2 - 32m)
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Combine like terms:
(m2 - 3m + 8) + (-4m3 + 12m2 - 32m) = -4m3 + 13m2 - 35m + 8
Conclusion
Therefore, the expanded form of the expression (1−4m)(m2−3m+8) is -4m3 + 13m2 - 35m + 8. This process demonstrates how the distributive property is crucial for expanding and simplifying expressions involving multiple terms.