(x+6)(x-1)(x-2)

2 min read Jun 17, 2024
(x+6)(x-1)(x-2)

Expanding and Simplifying (x+6)(x-1)(x-2)

This expression represents the product of three binomials. To understand it better, we can expand it step by step.

Step 1: Expanding the first two binomials

First, we expand (x+6)(x-1) using the FOIL method:

  • First: x * x = x²
  • Outer: x * -1 = -x
  • Inner: 6 * x = 6x
  • Last: 6 * -1 = -6

Combining the terms, we get:

(x+6)(x-1) = x² -x + 6x -6 = x² + 5x - 6

Step 2: Expanding the result with the third binomial

Now, we multiply the result from step 1 (x² + 5x - 6) with (x-2):

We can use the distributive property to do this:

  • x² * (x-2) = x³ - 2x²
  • 5x * (x-2) = 5x² - 10x
  • -6 * (x-2) = -6x + 12

Combining all the terms, we get:

(x² + 5x - 6)(x-2) = x³ - 2x² + 5x² - 10x - 6x + 12

Finally, simplifying by combining like terms:

(x+6)(x-1)(x-2) = x³ + 3x² - 16x + 12

Conclusion

Therefore, the expanded and simplified form of (x+6)(x-1)(x-2) is x³ + 3x² - 16x + 12. This expression represents a cubic polynomial with a leading coefficient of 1.

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