Mathematics · Polynomial Functions · Topic 5 · 5 of 18
Multiplying Polynomials and Special Products
Use distribution, area models, and special-product patterns.
Distributive propertyMultiply every term of one factor by every term of the other.
Difference of squares(a+b)(a−b)=a²−b².
Perfect-square trinomial(a±b)²=a²±2ab+b².
Worked example
(x+3)(x−2)=x²+x−6
Multiply x by both terms, then 3 by both terms, and combine the two x-terms.