Simple math I just forgot, with 3(x-1)(x+4) would you distribute the 3 into (x-1) and then distribute that into (x+4) or would you distribute (x-1) and (x+4) together and then multiply that by 3? Pretty sure its the first but just to be sure

Question

anonymous · Answer

FOIL first and then distribute the 3.

zepdrix · Answer

Since multiplication is `commutative`, you can perform the steps in any order you choose.
You may first distribute the 3 to each term in the (x-1) brackets, and then foil out the rest, as you described.

Or you may distribute the 3 to each term in the second set of brackets. Just make sure you don't distribute a 3 to each set of brackets :)

anonymous · Answer

Thank you!