Homework Help: Algebra

Posted by Sandrine on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 6:42pm.

I multiplyed x^2-2x+2 times x^2+2x+2. The book suggested the order this be done in as: x^2(x^2-2x+2) then 2x(x^2-2x+2) then 2(x^2-2x+2), with the result being x^4+4. However, I wondered if this could be done in reverse. So I multiplyed x^2(x^2+2x+2), then -2x(x^2+2x=2) then 2(x^2+2x+2). The result however was different. I'm not sure if it was just a computational error or if you really can't do it this way. If you can only do it the first way, why? Thanks!!!

Algebra - MathMate, Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 7:26pm
x^4+4 is correct, and should be the same in both ways.
Try it again, and if the result is still different, post your working and we will try to help you find the error.

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