A sphere has a radius of 3x + 2. Which polynomial in standard form best describes the total surface area of the sphere?
The total surface area of a sphere is given by the formula 4πr^2, where r is the radius.
In this case, the radius is given as 3x + 2. So, plugging in this value into the formula, we get:
Total surface area = 4π(3x + 2)^2
= 4π(9x^2 + 12x + 4)
= 36πx^2 + 48πx + 16π
= 36πx^2 + 48πx + 16π
Therefore, the polynomial in standard form that best describes the total surface area of the sphere is 36πx^2 + 48πx + 16π.