Multiplying Polynomials: (3x + 2x⁴ - 3x³ - 2)(1 - x²)
This article will guide you through multiplying the polynomials (3x + 2x⁴ - 3x³ - 2) and (1 - x²). We will use the distributive property, also known as the FOIL method, to achieve this.
The FOIL Method
FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last. It's a mnemonic device for remembering how to multiply two binomials. We will apply this method to each term of the first polynomial:
Step 1: First
Multiply the first terms of each polynomial: (3x) * (1) = 3x
Step 2: Outer
Multiply the outer terms of each polynomial: (3x) * (-x²) = -3x³
Step 3: Inner
Multiply the inner terms of each polynomial: (2x⁴) * (1) = 2x⁴
Step 4: Last
Multiply the last terms of each polynomial: (2x⁴) * (-x²) = -2x⁶
Step 5: Repeat for Remaining Terms
We need to repeat the FOIL method for the remaining terms of the first polynomial (-3x³ and -2):
- (-3x³) * (1) = -3x³
- (-3x³) * (-x²) = 3x⁵
- (-2) * (1) = -2
- (-2) * (-x²) = 2x²
Combining Like Terms
Now, we have:
3x - 3x³ + 2x⁴ - 2x⁶ - 3x³ + 3x⁵ - 2 + 2x²
Combining like terms:
-2x⁶ + 3x⁵ + 2x⁴ - 6x³ + 2x² + 3x - 2
Final Answer
Therefore, the product of (3x + 2x⁴ - 3x³ - 2) and (1 - x²) is -2x⁶ + 3x⁵ + 2x⁴ - 6x³ + 2x² + 3x - 2.