SOLUTION: (x - 4y)^2 + 4(x + y)(x - 3y) + x(3x + 3y + 3) The problem just says "simplify the expression" so i assume it is a polynomial. I started working the problem from right to left a

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Question 646477: (x - 4y)^2 + 4(x + y)(x - 3y) + x(3x + 3y + 3)
The problem just says "simplify the expression" so i assume it is a polynomial. I started working the problem from right to left and then put in distributive property and got the problem wrong... I started with x^2(-4y)^2....
the appropriate box above would not let me select an option...
Answer by solver91311(24713) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

It is a polynomial because it is a polynomial, not because it is an "expression". An expression could be anything. There is a good Wikipedia article that rigorously defines polynomial -- recommended reading.

Remember the FOIL process: The product of the first terms plus the product of the outside terms plus the product of the inside terms plus the product of the last terms:

Ok...so you do the next part. Put the factor of 4 aside for the time being and FOIL the two binomials. Then distribute the 4 across your three terms. Add this new mess to what I did for you above.

Next, distribute the in the last term across the trinomial. Add that result to the rest of it.

And finally, go back and collect like terms. Remember, like terms have the same variables with the same exponents. is like but it is NOT like for example.

John

My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it