Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polynomial Multiplication
Polynomial multiplication involves distributing each term in one polynomial to every term in another polynomial. This process is often referred to as the FOIL method for binomials, which stands for First, Outside, Inside, Last. Understanding how to combine like terms after distribution is crucial for simplifying the resulting expression.
Recommended video:
Finding Zeros & Their Multiplicity
Like Terms
Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, in the expression 4x^2 and -5x^2, both terms are like terms because they share the same variable x raised to the second power. Identifying and combining like terms is essential for simplifying polynomial expressions after multiplication.
Recommended video:
Adding & Subtracting Like Radicals
Zero Exponent Rule
The zero exponent rule states that any non-zero number raised to the power of zero equals one. This rule is important when dealing with terms that may have a variable or constant raised to the zero power, as it simplifies calculations and helps in understanding the structure of polynomial expressions.
Recommended video:
Introduction to Exponent Rules