could someone please show me how to simplify this expression? will give medal thanks!
3x(4x^4 – 5x)

Question

jtug6 · Answer

Okay so you can already see theres a 3x sticking on the outside of the parenthesis, so to simplify we should do what to the 3x and the two terms (4x^4 and - 5x)

dimples97 · Answer

Hmmm I don't know ):

legomyego180 · Answer

$$3x(4x^4-5x)$$

So you could rewrite this by distributing the 3x, or by factoring an x out of the parentheeses. Im not sure which your instructor wants.

jtug6 · Answer

Oh I misread actually they want you to simplify not expand xD. Ok so scratch what I just said (sorry I'm sleepy). Look for the common variable in the parenthesis (x) and factor it out. ^^

jtug6 · Answer

Right I think it's the factoring part since they said simplify thats why I was confused haha

legomyego180 · Answer

So when you factor you just take an x term out of the parentheeses.

$$(4x^4-5x) = x(4x^3-5)$$

Because the x is outside of the parentheeses we can multiply it by the 3x now:

$$(3x)(x)(4x^3-5)=3x^2(4x^3-5)$$

legomyego180 · Answer

You could also expand this out and simplify it further by writing it as:
$$12x^5-15x^2$$