SOLUTION: i really need help with this problem: express the volume of a rectangular prism with sides in centimeters measuring 3a, (a+1), and (4a-2). so far, i have tried this: 3a(a+1)(4a-2

Question 608789: i really need help with this problem:
express the volume of a rectangular prism with sides in centimeters measuring 3a, (a+1), and (4a-2). so far, i have tried this:
3a(a+1)(4a-2)
3asquared+3a+4a-2
3a(a+1)+2(2a+1)
i get stuck here because the two expressions in the parenthasese do not match and i am not sure what i am doing wrong could you please help figure this out? thank you so much

Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
express the volume of a rectangular prism with sides in centimeters measuring 3a, (a+1), and (4a-2). so far, i have tried this:
3a(a+1)(4a-2)
---
= 3a[(a+1)(4a-2)]
----
= 3a[4a^2-2a+4a-2]
---
= 3a[4a^2+2a-2]
---
= 12a^3 + 6a^2 -6a
=========================
Cheers,
Stan H.
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