Question

Multiplying a trinomial by a trinomial follows the same steps as multiplying a binomial by a trinomial. Determine the degree and maximum possible number of terms for the product of these trinomials: (x2 + x + 2)(x2 – 2x + 3). Explain how you arrived at your answer.

Answer 1

Answer: Degree of polynomial (highest degree) =4

Maximum possible terms =9

Number of terms in the product = 5

Step-by-step explanation:

A trinomial is a polynomial with 3 terms.

The given product of trinomial: $(x^2 + x + 2)(x^2 - 2x + 3)$

By using distributive property: a(b+c+d)= ab+ac+ad

$(x^2 + x + 2)(x^2 - 2x + 3)=(x^2 + x + 2) x^2+(x^2 + x + 2) (-2x)+(x^2 + x + 2)(3)\\\\=x^2(x^2)+x(x^2)+2(x^2)+x^2 (-2x)+x (-2x)+2 (-2x)+x^2 (3)+x (3)+2 (3)\\\\\\=x^4+x^3+2x^2-2x^3-2x^2-4x+3x^2+3x+6$

Maximum possible terms =9

Combine like terms

$x^4+x^3-2x^3+3x^2-4x+3x+6\\\\=x^4-x^3+3x^2-x+6$

Hence, $\left(x^2\:+\:x\:+\:2\right)\left(x^2\:-\:2x\:+\:3\right)=x^4-x^3+3x^2-x+6$

Degree of polynomial (highest degree) =4

Number of terms = 5