Multiplying Polynomials: (2x^2 + x^3 + 1)(x^2 + 1)
This article will explore how to multiply the two polynomials: (2x^2 + x^3 + 1) and (x^2 + 1). We will use the distributive property to achieve this multiplication.
The Distributive Property
The distributive property states that for any numbers a, b, and c:
a(b + c) = ab + ac
We can extend this property to multiplying polynomials by distributing each term of one polynomial across all terms of the other polynomial.
Multiplying the Polynomials
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Distribute the first term of the first polynomial (2x^2):
(2x^2)(x^2 + 1) = 2x^4 + 2x^2
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Distribute the second term of the first polynomial (x^3):
(x^3)(x^2 + 1) = x^5 + x^3
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Distribute the third term of the first polynomial (1):
(1)(x^2 + 1) = x^2 + 1
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Combine all the terms:
2x^4 + 2x^2 + x^5 + x^3 + x^2 + 1
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Rearrange the terms in descending order of exponents:
x^5 + 2x^4 + x^3 + 3x^2 + 1
Therefore, the product of (2x^2 + x^3 + 1) and (x^2 + 1) is x^5 + 2x^4 + x^3 + 3x^2 + 1.
Key Points
- The distributive property is a fundamental tool for multiplying polynomials.
- It's important to distribute each term of one polynomial across all terms of the other polynomial.
- Combine like terms after distributing to simplify the expression.
- Rearrange the terms in descending order of exponents for standard polynomial form.