Learn this rule: (A + B)³ = A³ + 3A²B + 3AB² + B³ In your problem (2a + 5)³ comparing that with the above substitute 2a for A and 5 for B (2a + 5)³ = (2a)³ + 3(2a)²(5) + 3(2a)(5)² + (5)³ = 8a³ + 3(4a²)(5) + 3(2a)(25) + 125 = 8a³ + 60a² + 150a + 125 Edwin