Question

Find the product.
a 4(3a2 - 2a + 1)

(typed answers not selection)

Answer 1

`3a^6-2a^5+a^4`

Explanation:

Use the rules of indices to find the product.

One of the rules is that when we multiply indices that have the same base we add the powers. For example:

`x^4 * x^5 = x^9`

So to work out
`a^4(3a^2-2a+1)` we need to follow this rule.

Let's expand the bracket:

`a^4(3a^2-2a+1) = (a^4)(3a^2)+(a^4)(-2a)+(a^4)(1)`

Let's simplify keeping in mind the rule we know.

`(a^4)(3a^2)=3a^6`

`(a^4)(-2a) = -2a^5` - remember that
`a = a^1`

`(a^4)(1) = a^4`