Problem

Find the Product 3x(5x^2-x+4)

The question is asking for the result of multiplying a monomial, which is \(3x\), by a trinomial, which is \((5x^2 - x + 4)\). The process involves using the distributive property (also known as the distributive law of multiplication) to multiply \(3x\) by each term of the trinomial separately and then combining like terms if necessary. This will result in a polynomial that represents the product of the given expressions.

$3 x \left(\right. 5 x^{2} - x + 4 \left.\right)$

Answer

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Solution:

Step 1: Utilize the Distributive Property

Multiply $3x$ by each term inside the parentheses: $3x(5x^2) + 3x(-x) + 3x(4)$

Step 2: Commence Simplification

Step 2.1: Apply Commutative Property for Multiplication

Rearrange the terms: $3 \cdot 5 \cdot x \cdot x^2 + 3x(-x) + 3 \cdot x \cdot 4$

Step 2.2: Continue with Commutative Property

Further rearrange the terms: $3 \cdot 5 \cdot x \cdot x^2 + 3 \cdot (-1) \cdot x \cdot x + 3 \cdot x \cdot 4$

Step 2.3: Perform Multiplication of Constants

Multiply the constant $4$ with $3$: $3 \cdot 5 \cdot x \cdot x^2 + 3 \cdot (-1) \cdot x \cdot x + 12 \cdot x$

Step 3: Simplify Each Term

Step 3.1: Combine Exponents

Step 3.1.1: Position the $x^2$ term

Place $x^2$ next to $x$: $3 \cdot 5 \cdot (x^2 \cdot x) + 3 \cdot (-1) \cdot x \cdot x + 12 \cdot x$

Step 3.1.2: Multiply Powers of $x$
Step 3.1.2.1: Express $x$ as $x^1$

Write $x$ with an exponent: $3 \cdot 5 \cdot (x^2 \cdot x^1) + 3 \cdot (-1) \cdot x \cdot x + 12 \cdot x$

Step 3.1.2.2: Apply the Power Rule

Combine the exponents: $3 \cdot 5 \cdot x^{2+1} + 3 \cdot (-1) \cdot x \cdot x + 12 \cdot x$

Step 3.1.3: Sum the Exponents

Add the exponents $2$ and $1$: $3 \cdot 5 \cdot x^3 + 3 \cdot (-1) \cdot x \cdot x + 12 \cdot x$

Step 3.2: Multiply Constants

Multiply $3$ by $5$: $15 \cdot x^3 + 3 \cdot (-1) \cdot x \cdot x + 12 \cdot x$

Step 3.3: Combine Exponents of $x$

Step 3.3.1: Position the $x$ term

Place $x$ next to itself: $15 \cdot x^3 + 3 \cdot (-1) \cdot (x \cdot x) + 12 \cdot x$

Step 3.3.2: Multiply Powers of $x$

Multiply $x$ by itself: $15 \cdot x^3 + 3 \cdot (-1) \cdot x^2 + 12 \cdot x$

Step 3.4: Multiply Constants

Multiply $3$ by $-1$: $15 \cdot x^3 - 3 \cdot x^2 + 12 \cdot x$

Knowledge Notes:

The problem-solving process involves the following key mathematical concepts:

  1. Distributive Property: This property states that $a(b + c) = ab + ac$. It allows us to multiply a single term by each term inside a set of parentheses.

  2. Commutative Property of Multiplication: This property states that $ab = ba$. It allows us to rearrange the factors in a multiplication without changing the product.

  3. Multiplication of Constants and Variables: When multiplying constants (numbers) or variables (like $x$), we simply multiply the numerical coefficients and add the exponents if the bases are the same.

  4. Power Rule for Exponents: The power rule states that $a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}$. When multiplying like bases, we add the exponents.

  5. Simplification: This is the process of combining like terms and reducing expressions to their simplest form.

In this problem, we applied these concepts to multiply a monomial, $3x$, by a trinomial, $5x^2 - x + 4$, to find the product.

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