(x-2)^3 Expand Formula

2 min read Jun 17, 2024
(x-2)^3 Expand Formula

Expanding the Formula (x-2)³

The expression (x-2)³ represents the cube of the binomial (x-2). To expand this, we can use the binomial theorem or simply multiply the expression out.

Using the Binomial Theorem

The binomial theorem states:

(a + b)ⁿ = ∑(n choose k) * a^(n-k) * b^k

Where:

  • n is the power of the binomial
  • k is the index of the term (starts from 0)
  • (n choose k) represents the binomial coefficient, calculated as n!/(k!(n-k)!)

Applying this to our expression:

(x - 2)³ = ∑(3 choose k) * x^(3-k) * (-2)^k

Expanding the summation:

(3 choose 0) * x³ * (-2)⁰ + (3 choose 1) * x² * (-2)¹ + (3 choose 2) * x¹ * (-2)² + (3 choose 3) * x⁰ * (-2)³

Calculating the binomial coefficients:

1 * x³ * 1 + 3 * x² * (-2) + 3 * x * 4 + 1 * 1 * (-8)

Finally, simplifying the expression:

(x - 2)³ = x³ - 6x² + 12x - 8

Expanding by Multiplication

We can also expand the expression by multiplying it out:

(x - 2)³ = (x - 2)(x - 2)(x - 2)

First, multiply the first two factors:

(x - 2)(x - 2) = x² - 4x + 4

Then, multiply the result by the remaining factor:

(x² - 4x + 4)(x - 2) = x³ - 4x² + 4x - 2x² + 8x - 8

Finally, combine like terms:

(x - 2)³ = x³ - 6x² + 12x - 8

Conclusion

Both methods result in the same expanded expression: x³ - 6x² + 12x - 8. You can choose whichever method you find easier or more convenient to use.

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