SOLUTION: How are Multiply polynomials solved? IE (a-5)(a-8) Thanks -Dementia

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: How are Multiply polynomials solved? IE (a-5)(a-8) Thanks -Dementia      Log On


   

Question 33282: How are Multiply polynomials solved? IE (a-5)(a-8) Thanks
-Dementia
Answer by sarah_adam(201) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
In general,
when multiplying two polynomials together,
use the distributive property, until every term of one polynomial is multiplied times every term of the other polynomial. Make sure that you simplify your answer by combining any like terms.
(a-5)(a-8)
In this case, both polynomials have two terms. You need to distribute both terms of one polynomial times both terms of the other polynomial.
One way to keep track of your distributive property is to
Use the FOIL method.
Note that this method only works on (Binomial)(Binomial).
F First terms
O Outside terms
I Inside terms
L Last terms
F (a)(a) = a%5E2
O (a)(-8) = -8a
I (-5)(a) = -5a
L (-5)(-8) = +40
a%5E2-8a-5a+40
combine like terms
a%5E2-13a+40
Hope you understood how to multiply
In case you want to multiply (polynomial)(polynomial)
use the distributive property until every term of one polynomial is multiplied times every term of the other polynomial. Make sure that you simplify your answer by combining any like terms.