When multiplying two polynomials, what fundamental property do you use repeatedly?

Answer by  Sam22 (22)

When multiplying two polynomials, you must use the distributive property repeatedly. This makes sense, because the word "polynomial" implies at least two terms. A complete multiplication process must include at least 2 x 2 additive steps to ensure that each term's multiplicative effect has been fully measured.

Answer by  lotsobooks (7)

When multiplying 2 polynomials, such as (x^2+x+1)(x^2+2x+2), the distributive property is used. For example, first, the "x^2" of (x^2+x+1) is multiplied by each term of the 2nd polynomial. x^2*x^2+x^2*2x+x^2*2=x^4+2x^3+2x^2. The, the 2nd term, "x", is multiplied by the 2nd polynomial. x*x^2+x*2x+x*2=x^3+2x^2+2x. Finally, the "1" is multiplied through -> x^2+2x+2. Then, all 3 pieces are added together: x^4+3x^3+5x^2+4x+2.