Expand 3(x+2)(x-1)
Expand and distribute algebraic expressions using FOIL and distribution.
To expand 3(x+2)(x-1), use the FOIL method — multiply each term in the first binomial by each term in the second, then combine like terms.
3(x+2)(x-1)
Multiply each coefficient by every term inside its parentheses:
3(x+2) = 3x + 6
1(x-1) = x − 1
Group the like terms together:
(3x + x) + (6 − 1)
3x + x = 4x
6 − 1 = 5
The expression becomes:
(x - 1)(3x + 6)
FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last — multiply each pair of terms:
First: x · 3x = 3x2
Outer: x · 6 = 6x
Inner: -1 · 3x = -3x
Last: -1 · 6 = -6
Write out all four products:
3x2 + 6x − 3x − 6
Combine the like terms:
6x − 3x = 3x
= 3x2 + 3x − 6
3x2 + 3x − 6
How to expand 3(x+2)(x-1)
To expand 3(x+2)(x-1), distribute each term across the other factor and combine like terms. The result is 3x^2 + 3x − 6.
This is a algebraic expansion — we multiply out brackets and simplify. For binomials, the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last) is commonly used.
Frequently asked questions
What is the answer to 3(x+2)(x-1)?
The answer is 3x^2 + 3x − 6.
What method is used?
the distributive property (FOIL for two binomials) — multiply each term in one factor by every term in the other, then combine like terms.