Expanding (2x)³
In mathematics, expanding an expression means rewriting it in a way that removes any parentheses or exponents. Let's explore how to expand the expression (2x)³.
Understanding the Basics
- Exponent: The exponent '3' in (2x)³ indicates that we're multiplying the base (2x) by itself three times.
- Order of Operations: Remember to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS): Parentheses/Brackets, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).
Expanding (2x)³
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Apply the exponent to both the coefficient and variable: (2x)³ = 2³ * x³
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Simplify the powers: 2³ * x³ = 8 * x³
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Combine the results: 8 * x³ = 8x³
Therefore, the expanded form of (2x)³ is 8x³.
Key Takeaways
- Expanding expressions involves applying the order of operations and simplifying the results.
- When dealing with exponents, remember to apply them to both the coefficient and variable.
- Understanding exponents and the order of operations is crucial for simplifying mathematical expressions.