Expanding the Expression (3a+1)(5a^2+2a-6)
This article will guide you through the process of expanding the given expression: (3a+1)(5a^2+2a-6).
Understanding the Concept
Expanding an expression of this form involves applying the distributive property. This property states that multiplying a sum by a number is the same as multiplying each addend by the number and then adding the products together.
Steps for Expansion
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Distribute the first term: We start by multiplying the first term of the first binomial (3a) by each term of the second binomial:
(3a)(5a^2) + (3a)(2a) + (3a)(-6)
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Distribute the second term: Now, we multiply the second term of the first binomial (1) by each term of the second binomial:
(1)(5a^2) + (1)(2a) + (1)(-6)
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Combine the terms: Combine all the terms obtained in the previous steps:
15a^3 + 6a^2 - 18a + 5a^2 + 2a - 6
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Simplify: Finally, combine like terms to get the expanded form:
15a^3 + 11a^2 - 16a - 6
Conclusion
Therefore, the expanded form of the expression (3a+1)(5a^2+2a-6) is 15a^3 + 11a^2 - 16a - 6. This process demonstrates the application of the distributive property to simplify and expand algebraic expressions.