Multiplication of Polynomials

Multiplying polynomials involves distributing each term of one polynomial to every term of the other polynomial. This process is called the distributive property. After distributing, you combine like terms (if any) to simplify the expression.

Steps for Multiplying Polynomials

Example 1: Multiplying a Monomial by a Polynomial

Problem: \( 3x(2x^2 + 5x - 4) \)

Solution:

Example 2: Multiplying Binomials (FOIL Method)

Problem: \( (x + 3)(x - 2) \)

Solution:

Example 3: Multiplying Polynomials (Trinomial by Binomial)

Problem: \( (2x^2 + 3x + 1)(x - 4) \)

Solution:

Key Points to Remember: