Is it possible to do this

432(140-x)^3 = 60480-432x^3

or do i have to expand it like this
432(140-x)(140-x)(140-x)

The last way is correct.

You will have to expand it, your first line is incorrect.

test it with numbers...
e.g.
3(2^3) = 3(2)(2)(2) = 3(8) = 24
the way you wanted to do it would be
(6)^3 or 216

Yes, it is possible to solve the equation without expanding it. You can simplify the equation and solve for x directly. Here's how:

1. Start with the equation: 432(140-x)^3 = 60480-432x^3

2. Divide both sides of the equation by 432 to get rid of the coefficient:
(140-x)^3 = (60480-432x^3) / 432

3. Simplify the right side of the equation:
(140-x)^3 = 140 - x^3

4. Take the cube root of both sides of the equation to eliminate the exponent:
∛(140-x)^3 = ∛(140 - x^3)

This simplifies to:
140 - x = ∛(140 - x^3)

5. Subtract 140 from both sides:
-x = ∛(140 - x^3) - 140

6. Multiply both sides by -1 to solve for x:
x = -1 * (∛(140 - x^3) - 140)

Now you have the equation in terms of x.

If you expand the equation as you suggested, you will obtain a different form of the equation that can also be solved. Expanding it will lead to more terms and make it more complex to work with, but the approach described above allows you to solve the equation without expanding it.