Unravel the Mystery: How to Simplify y(1+2x)^3 in 5 Easy Steps

When dealing with algebraic expressions, simplifying them is a crucial step in solving equations and understanding the underlying mathematical concepts. One such expression that may seem daunting at first is y(1+2x)^3. However, with the right approach, it can be simplified into a more manageable form. In this article, we will break down the process of simplifying y(1+2x)^3 into 5 easy steps, making it accessible to anyone with a basic understanding of algebra.

Key Points

  • Understanding the binomial expansion formula is essential for simplifying expressions like y(1+2x)^3.
  • The binomial expansion formula is (a + b)^n = ∑[n! / (k!(n-k)!)] * a^(n-k) * b^k, where n is a positive integer and the sum is taken from k=0 to n.
  • Applying the binomial expansion formula to (1+2x)^3 involves calculating the coefficients and powers of 1 and 2x for each term.
  • Simplifying the expression requires combining like terms and applying basic algebraic rules.
  • The simplified form of y(1+2x)^3 can be used in various algebraic and calculus applications.

Step 1: Understand the Binomial Expansion Formula

The binomial expansion formula is a fundamental concept in algebra that allows us to expand expressions of the form (a + b)^n. The formula is given by (a + b)^n = ∑[n! / (k!(n-k)!)] * a^(n-k) * b^k, where n is a positive integer and the sum is taken from k=0 to n. This formula will be our tool for simplifying y(1+2x)^3.

Applying the Formula to (1+2x)^3

To apply the binomial expansion formula to (1+2x)^3, we need to identify a, b, and n. In this case, a = 1, b = 2x, and n = 3. Plugging these values into the formula gives us (1+2x)^3 = ∑[3! / (k!(3-k)!)] * 1^(3-k) * (2x)^k, where the sum is taken from k=0 to 3.

kTerm
01^3 * (2x)^0 = 1
13 * 1^2 * (2x)^1 = 6x
23 * 1^1 * (2x)^2 = 12x^2
31^0 * (2x)^3 = 8x^3

Step 2: Calculate Each Term

Using the formula, we calculate each term for k = 0, 1, 2, and 3. For k = 0, the term is 1^3 * (2x)^0 = 1. For k = 1, the term is 3 * 1^2 * (2x)^1 = 6x. For k = 2, the term is 3 * 1^1 * (2x)^2 = 12x^2. For k = 3, the term is 1^0 * (2x)^3 = 8x^3.

Combining the Terms

Now that we have calculated each term, we can combine them to get the expanded form of (1+2x)^3. This gives us (1+2x)^3 = 1 + 6x + 12x^2 + 8x^3.

💡 It's important to note that the coefficients of the terms are calculated using the binomial coefficients, which are the numbers in the nth row of Pascal's triangle. In this case, the coefficients are 1, 3, 3, and 1, which correspond to the terms 1, 6x, 12x^2, and 8x^3, respectively.

Step 3: Simplify y(1+2x)^3

To simplify y(1+2x)^3, we multiply y by each term in the expanded form of (1+2x)^3. This gives us y(1+2x)^3 = y(1 + 6x + 12x^2 + 8x^3) = y + 6yx + 12yx^2 + 8yx^3.

Distributive Property

The distributive property of multiplication over addition allows us to multiply y by each term in the expanded form of (1+2x)^3. This property is essential for simplifying expressions like y(1+2x)^3.

Step 4: Combine Like Terms

In this case, there are no like terms to combine, as each term has a unique power of x. Therefore, the simplified form of y(1+2x)^3 is y + 6yx + 12yx^2 + 8yx^3.

No Further Simplification

Since there are no like terms to combine, the expression y + 6yx + 12yx^2 + 8yx^3 is the simplest form of y(1+2x)^3. This expression can be used in various algebraic and calculus applications.

Step 5: Verify the Simplification

To verify the simplification, we can substitute specific values of x and y into the original expression y(1+2x)^3 and the simplified expression y + 6yx + 12yx^2 + 8yx^3. If the two expressions are equal for all values of x and y, then the simplification is correct.

What is the binomial expansion formula?

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The binomial expansion formula is (a + b)^n = ∑[n! / (k!(n-k)!)] * a^(n-k) * b^k, where n is a positive integer and the sum is taken from k=0 to n.

How do I apply the binomial expansion formula to (1+2x)^3?

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To apply the binomial expansion formula to (1+2x)^3, identify a = 1, b = 2x, and n = 3, and plug these values into the formula.

What is the simplified form of y(1+2x)^3?

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The simplified form of y(1+2x)^3 is y + 6yx + 12yx^2 + 8yx^3.

In conclusion, simplifying y(1+2x)^3 involves applying the binomial expansion formula, calculating each term, combining like terms, and verifying the simplification. By following these steps, we can simplify y(1+2x)^3 into the form y + 6yx + 12yx^2 + 8yx^3, which can be used in various algebraic and calculus applications.