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Expand and Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

  1. Feb 2, 2012 #1

    Expand and simplify algebraic expressions.

    2. Relevant equations


    3. The attempt at a solution

    The problem is, we normally always do these problems with only two sets of brackets. I tried just multiplying each number will each other number but it didn't work.
  2. jcsd
  3. Feb 2, 2012 #2


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    Homework Helper

    Multiply the first two factors by the FOIL method. Then multiply the result by the third factor, either horizontally or vertically.
  4. Feb 3, 2012 #3


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    Staff: Mentor

    You say you know how to simplify what's in blue? So go ahead and do that.

    Next, remember you are actually using the Distributive Law for this, and it says the above is equal to:

    2a · (3a-1)(a-2) + 1 · (3a-1)(a-2)

    So when you have worked out a simpler expression for what's in blue, write it in place of what I've shown in blue and perform the above multiplications, then collect like terms to simplify.

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