When the quadratic equation y = (x − 2)(3x + 1) is written in standard form, what is the value of the coefficient "b"?

Question

amistre64 · Answer

what does this expand into using .. foil might be a term you are used to

anonymous · Answer

im not very good at foiling

amistre64 · Answer

then you need the practice, give it a shot and let me see your handy work :)  ill tell you if your correct or not

amistre64 · Answer

i find the term "foil" to be a rather useless mneumonic ... all this amounts to is multiplying the first term thru the paranthesis, and then multiplying the second term thru the paranthesis.  no need to make up new terms in order to multiply ....

anonymous · Answer

3x^2-5x-2?

amistre64 · Answer

i like it :)  now what is the number in the middle?

anonymous · Answer

-5

amistre64 · Answer

you did very good.

so, b=-5

anonymous · Answer

oh i understand now thank you very much!

amistre64 · Answer

youre welcome :)