Multiplying+Polynomials

Multiplying two or more polynomials is a combination of two different concepts that we've done before: the distributive property and combining like terms. If we have two polynomials that we're multiplying, we have two quantities in parentheses that are being multiplied together. For example:



For this problem, in order to get rid of the parentheses, we have to do the distributive property, but it looks a little different because we have two numbers in front of the second set of parentheses (the 3x and the 4). Therefore, we have to do the distributive property twice (first with the 3x and then with the 4). So we get:

When we do the distributive property for each polynomial we get:



And then when we combine our like terms we get our answer:



//Be careful with your signs when you distribute and when you combine like terms. Remember that the sign in front of the term is the sign that goes with it!//

**TASK: In your own words, explain how we multiply polynomials. Use detail in your explanation.**

Take a look at another example:



**TASK: In your own words, explain the steps for the example problem above.**

**TASK: Open the document and complete the practice problems. **