Expanding and Simplifying (x-3)(2x+1)(3x-2)
This article will guide you through the process of expanding and simplifying the given expression: (x-3)(2x+1)(3x-2).
Step 1: Expand the first two factors
Begin by expanding the first two factors, (x-3)(2x+1), using the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last):
(x-3)(2x+1) = 2x² + x - 6x - 3 = 2x² - 5x - 3
Step 2: Multiply the expanded expression by the third factor
Now, multiply the simplified expression from Step 1, (2x² - 5x - 3), by the third factor, (3x-2):
(2x² - 5x - 3)(3x-2) = 6x³ - 4x² - 15x² + 10x - 9x + 6
Step 3: Combine like terms
Finally, combine the like terms to get the simplified expression:
6x³ - 4x² - 15x² + 10x - 9x + 6 = 6x³ - 19x² + x + 6
Conclusion
Therefore, the expanded and simplified form of (x-3)(2x+1)(3x-2) is 6x³ - 19x² + x + 6.