Expanding the Expression (x-y)(x+y)(2x+y)
This article will guide you through the process of expanding the algebraic expression (x-y)(x+y)(2x+y). We will use the distributive property and the difference of squares pattern to simplify the expression.
Step 1: Recognizing the Difference of Squares
Notice that the first two factors, (x-y) and (x+y), are in the form of a difference of squares. This means we can use the following identity:
(a - b)(a + b) = a² - b²
Applying this to our expression:
(x - y)(x + y) = x² - y²
Step 2: Expanding the Remaining Factor
Now, our expression becomes:
(x² - y²)(2x + y)
We will use the distributive property to expand this:
(x² - y²)(2x + y) = (x²)(2x + y) - (y²)(2x + y)
Step 3: Final Expansion
Now, we will distribute each term within the parentheses:
(x²)(2x + y) - (y²)(2x + y) = 2x³ + x²y - 2xy² - y³
Therefore, the expanded form of the expression (x-y)(x+y)(2x+y) is 2x³ + x²y - 2xy² - y³.