Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Factoring
Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into simpler components, or factors, that when multiplied together yield the original expression. In this case, the expression (4x^2 - 9) can be recognized as a difference of squares, which factors into (2x + 3)(2x - 3). Understanding how to factor expressions is crucial for simplifying polynomial products.
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Polynomial Multiplication
Polynomial multiplication involves multiplying two or more polynomials together to form a new polynomial. This process requires applying the distributive property, often referred to as the FOIL method for binomials, which stands for First, Outside, Inside, Last. Mastery of polynomial multiplication is essential for combining the factors obtained from the previous step.
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Finding Zeros & Their Multiplicity
Combining Like Terms
Combining like terms is the process of simplifying an expression by adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. After multiplying polynomials, the resulting expression may contain multiple terms that can be simplified. This step is important for presenting the final answer in its simplest form, making it easier to interpret and use.
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