Question

Remove the brackets from the given expression: \(\left(x^{2}+2\right)(3 x)\)

Short answer

Question: Remove the brackets from the given expression: \((x^2+2)(3x)\) Answer: The expression with the brackets removed is \(3x^3 + 6x\).

Step-by-step solution

Apply distributive property

Begin by multiplying each term inside the first bracket \((x^2+2)\) with each term inside the second bracket \((3x)\). That is, \((x^2 + 2)(3x) =\) \(x^2(3x) + 2(3x)\)

Multiply terms

Now, multiply each term appropriately. \(x^2(3x) = 3x^3\) And, \(2(3x) = 6x\)

Combine terms

Combine the resulting terms to obtain the simplified expression without brackets. \(3x^3 + 6x\) The expression with the brackets removed is \(3x^3 + 6x\).

Key concepts

Polynomial Multiplication

Polynomial multiplication is a fundamental concept in algebra that involves combining polynomials to get a new polynomial. Just like numbers, polynomials can also be multiplied, but the process requires careful distribution of each term in one polynomial to every term in the other polynomial.

When we are given a problem like removing brackets from the expression \(\left(x^{2}+2\right)(3 x)\), we are really performing polynomial multiplication. As in the solution, we distribute the \(3x\) across the terms in the first bracket. This process is reminiscent of the area model or the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last) commonly taught in schools, although the latter is typically used for binomials.

For example, when multiplying \(x^2\) by \(3x\), you end up with \(3x^3\), which is combining the powers of \(x\) according to the laws of exponents—namely, by adding the exponents. This method is applied to each term within the brackets to achieve a simplified polynomial, and hence, understanding this concept is key to mastering algebra.

Algebraic Expressions

Algebraic expressions are combinations of numbers, variables, and operations such as addition and multiplication that together express a quantity or an operation to be performed. These expressions can be as simple as \(2x + 3\) or as complex as the ones containing multiple terms and powers, like \(x^{2} + 3x + 1\).

In the context of our example, the expression \(\left(x^{2}+2\right)(3 x)\) is an algebraic expression that consists of a polynomial \(x^{2}+2\) being multiplied by another term \(3x\). The structure of algebraic expressions is essential as it dictates the steps necessary for simplification, which in turn is crucial for solving equations and inequalities, and also for understanding more advanced concepts in algebra such as factoring, solving systems of equations, and graphing functions.

Simplifying Expressions

The ultimate goal of working with algebraic expressions is to simplify them, making them as concise as possible. Simplifying algebraic expressions involves several steps including expanding brackets, combining like terms, and reducing expressions to their simplest form.

Consider the final step in our sample problem, where we combined terms to arrive at \(3x^3 + 6x\). This is the expression in its simplest form since there are no like terms to combine and no further simplification is possible. The process of simplifying helps not only in making expressions easier to work with but also prepares them for solving, whether that's finding the roots of a polynomial or solving for a variable.

Simplifying is a critical skill that, once mastered, makes algebra far more approachable and manageable and applies to a variety of problems whether in homework, standardized tests, or real-world applications.