Expanding the Expression: (x+2)(x^2+5x+1)
This article will guide you through expanding the expression (x+2)(x^2+5x+1). We will use the distributive property to achieve this.
Understanding the Distributive Property
The distributive property states that: a(b+c) = ab + ac
This means we can multiply each term inside the parentheses by the term outside the parentheses.
Applying the Distributive Property
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Distribute the 'x' term:
- x(x^2 + 5x + 1) = x^3 + 5x^2 + x
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Distribute the '2' term:
- 2(x^2 + 5x + 1) = 2x^2 + 10x + 2
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Combine the results:
- x^3 + 5x^2 + x + 2x^2 + 10x + 2
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Simplify by combining like terms:
- x^3 + 7x^2 + 11x + 2
Conclusion
Therefore, the expanded form of (x+2)(x^2+5x+1) is x^3 + 7x^2 + 11x + 2. This process can be applied to any similar expression involving multiplication of polynomials.