Expanding (2x + 3)³
Expanding a binomial raised to a power can be done using the Binomial Theorem or by repeated multiplication. Let's explore both methods for expanding (2x + 3)³.
Method 1: Binomial Theorem
The Binomial Theorem provides a formula for expanding (a + b)ⁿ:
(a + b)ⁿ = ₙC₀aⁿb⁰ + ₙC₁aⁿ⁻¹b¹ + ₙC₂aⁿ⁻²b² + ... + ₙCₙa⁰bⁿ
Where ₙCᵣ represents the binomial coefficient, calculated as:
ₙCᵣ = n! / (r! * (n-r)!)
Applying this to (2x + 3)³, we have:
- a = 2x
- b = 3
- n = 3
Therefore:
(2x + 3)³ = ³C₀(2x)³(3)⁰ + ³C₁(2x)²(3)¹ + ³C₂(2x)¹(3)² + ³C₃(2x)⁰(3)³
Calculating the binomial coefficients:
- ³C₀ = 3! / (0! * 3!) = 1
- ³C₁ = 3! / (1! * 2!) = 3
- ³C₂ = 3! / (2! * 1!) = 3
- ³C₃ = 3! / (3! * 0!) = 1
Substituting these values back into the equation:
(2x + 3)³ = 1(8x³)(1) + 3(4x²)(3) + 3(2x)(9) + 1(1)(27)
Simplifying:
(2x + 3)³ = 8x³ + 36x² + 54x + 27
Method 2: Repeated Multiplication
We can expand (2x + 3)³ by multiplying (2x + 3) by itself three times:
(2x + 3)³ = (2x + 3)(2x + 3)(2x + 3)
First, multiply the first two factors:
(2x + 3)(2x + 3) = 4x² + 6x + 6x + 9 = 4x² + 12x + 9
Now, multiply the result by the third factor:
(4x² + 12x + 9)(2x + 3) = 8x³ + 24x² + 18x + 12x² + 36x + 27
Combining like terms:
(2x + 3)³ = 8x³ + 36x² + 54x + 27
Conclusion
Both methods demonstrate that the expansion of (2x + 3)³ is 8x³ + 36x² + 54x + 27. You can choose the method that suits your preference and understanding best. Remember, practice makes perfect!