Simplify a(b+c)(-b-c) Using the Distributive Property

Question

It is possible to use the distributive property to simplify the expression

a(b+c)(bc) a(b+c)(-b-c)

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To simplify the expression a(b+c)(bc) a(b+c)(-b-c) using the distributive property, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Apply Distributive Property to (b+c)(bc) (b+c)(-b-c) :
    The expression (b+c)(bc) (b+c)(-b-c) can be expanded using the distributive property:
    (b+c)(bc)=b(bc)+c(bc)(b+c)(-b-c) = b(-b-c) + c(-b-c).
  • Step 2: Simplify Each Part:
    Let's simplify each term individually:
    - b(b)=b2 b(-b) = -b^2
    - b(c)=bc b(-c) = -bc
    - c(b)=bc c(-b) = -bc
    - c(c)=c2 c(-c) = -c^2
    So, combining these results:
    (b+c)(bc)=b2bcbcc2=b22bcc2 (b+c)(-b-c) = -b^2 - bc - bc - c^2 = -b^2 - 2bc - c^2 .
  • Step 3: Distribute a a Over the Result:
    Now, apply a further distribution of a a to get:
    a(b22bcc2)=a(b2)+a(2bc)+a(c2) a(-b^2 - 2bc - c^2) = a(-b^2) + a(-2bc) + a(-c^2) .
  • Step 4: Simplify:
    Perform the distribution:
    - a(b2)=ab2 a(-b^2) = -ab^2
    - a(2bc)=2abc a(-2bc) = -2abc
    - a(c2)=ac2 a(-c^2) = -ac^2
    Thus, the expression simplifies to:
    ab22abcac2 -ab^2 - 2abc - ac^2 .

Therefore, the simplified expression using the distributive property is ab22abcac2 -ab^2 - 2abc - ac^2 .

Given the multiple-choice options, the correct choice that corresponds to our derived expression is:

Choice 4: Yes, ab22abcac2 -ab^2 - 2abc - ac^2

Answer

Yes, ab22abcac2 -ab^2-2abc-ac^2