Thread: How do I simplify this since it's too long to use foil?

The problem is: (3x^2+5x+4)(-5x^2-x+3)


Would I distribute 3x^2 to -5x^2, then to -x, and then to 3, and then do the same with 5x and 4?


I'm just kinda confused because there are "+" signs within the parenthesis, but not in between them. That's throwing me off for some reason. I can't remember how you do all the different types of these problems (like ones that are multiplication, versus adding, etc...)

Hello, deathtolife04!

The problem is: .

Would I distribute to , then to , and then to
and then do the same with and ? . . . . Yes!

In general, we multiply each term in the first polynomial by each term in the second.
. . Don't let the signs confuse you . . . just "bring them along".


We wil have: . .


Then combine these products: .

. .