3x3(x - 2)(x + 2) First just work on the 3x3(x-2) only, but don't forget to bring the (x + 2) each time. (3x3·x - 3x3·2)(x + 2) (3x4 - 6x3)(x + 2) Now you can use FOIL 3x4·x + 3x4·2 - 6x3·x - 12x3 3x5 + 6x4 - 6x4 - 12x3 The middle two terms cancel, and we get 3x5 - 12x3 Edwin AnlytcPhil@aol.com