Question

a^3+a^2b+a+b\3a^3+3a * 10a^2\2a^2-2b^2

Will someone please help me to simplify this?

I evaluated it and got the following: 10a^2(a^3+a^2b+a+b) \(3a^3+3a)(2a^2-2b^2).

Thanks in advanced.

Answer 1

can see how this term can be factored: 3a^3+3a

Answer 2

*can you see...

Answer 3

3a(a+a^2) ??

Answer 4

not quite:

3a(a+a^2) = 3a^2 + 3a^3

which is not the same as 3a^3 + 3a

Answer 5

have another try at factoring it

Answer 6

3(a^3+a)

Answer 7

good start - now notice that you can also pull out an 'a' from each term inside the brackets

Answer 8

3a(a^2+a)

Answer 9

i'm confusing myself...uga

Answer 10

I think you've made the same mistake as your first attempt.

you correctly got to: 3a^3 + 3a = 3(a^3 + a)

now, notice the terms inside the brackets both contain 'a', so we can pull out an 'a' to get:

3a^3 + 3a = 3(a^3 + a) = 3a(a^2 + 1)

Answer 11

the 'a^3' inside the bracket became 'a^2' because 'a' * 'a^2' = 'a^3'
and the 'a' inside the bracket became '1' because 'a' * 1 = 'a'

Answer 12

does that make sense?

Answer 13

hmm

Answer 14

if you are having trouble with this then I suggest you review this web site: http://www.coolmath.com/algebra/04-factoring/

It might help you learn more about how to factor these types of expressions

Answer 15

i will take a look at it.

Answer 16

when i evaluated the problem was i close at least?

Answer 17

let me know if you are still stuck after reviewing that site and I'll see if I can help further

Answer 18

you evaluated the expression correctly but did not simplify it

Answer 19

once you have learnt how to factor these expressions properly, then you will notice common terms in the numerator and denominator that can then be cancelled out to simplify the resulting expression.

Answer 20

It is worth spending some time trying to master this as it will help you a lot in future problems.

Answer 21

and, as I said, let me know afterwards if you need any further clarification - good luck! :)

Answer 22

Thank you!

Answer 23

yw :)