College Algebra

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Multiplication of Algebraic Expressions

Multiplication of Algebraic Expressions

We will learn in this module how to multiply algebraic expressions. To
accomplish this, we will also discuss some of the rules that govern operations
on exponents. We will encounter the other rules when we discuss division of
algebraic expressions.

Rules on Exponents
Multiplication of algebraic expressions require knowledge of some of the
rules on exponents. These rules are as follows:
Rule #1: Multiplication Rule
xm·xn = xm+n
Ex. x3·x5 = x8
Rule #2: Power of a Power Rule
(xm)n = xmn
Ex. (x3)5 = x15
Rule #3: Power of a Product Rule
(xy)m = xmym
Ex. (xy)5 = x5y5

Multiplying Algebraic Expressions

Now that we know the rules on exponents, we are ready to multiply algebraic
expressions.

Multiplying two terms

To multiply a term by another term, simply multiply the numbers (numerical
coefficients) and the variables (literal coefficients). In multiplying the
variables, follow the product rule for exponents (i.e. xm·xn = xm+n). For
example,
(4x2yz3)(5xy4) = 20x3y5z3
(Note: A variable such as x has an exponent of 1 that is not shown anymore.
That is why x·x2 = x3 and x5·x = x6)
Another example is shown below.
(–7ab2c8)(5ab3c4) = –35a2b5c12

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 Multiplying a Single Term to an Algebraic Expression with More Than
One Term
To multiply a single term to an algebraic expression with several terms,
distribute the single term to all of the terms of the algebraic expression. Don’t
forget to follow the sign rules when multiplying: The product of expressions
having the same signs is positive while the product of two expression having
different signs is negative. To illustrate, consider multiplying
3x2yz by (4xy5z – 5x3y2z5 + 8x2yz)
We distribute 3x2yz to all of the terms of
(4xy5z – 5x3y2z5 + 8x2yz)…
(3x2yz)(4xy5z) – (3x2yz)(5x3y2z5) + (3x2yz)(8x2yz)
This will give us 12x3y6z2 – 15x5y3z6 + 24x4y2z2.
Let us try another one.
(–4a3b2c)(3a2bc4 – 7abc9 + 8a5c)
= – (4a3b2c)(3a2bc4) + (4a3b2c)(7abc9) – (4a3b2c)(8a5c)
The signs are already adjusted following the sign rules of multiplication.
The final answer would be
–12a5b3c5 + 28a4b3c10 – 32a8b2c2

Multiplying two Algebraic Expressions Having Two Terms Each

If we want to multiply two algebraic expressions composed of two terms
each, we can use the FOIL method. FOIL stands for

First-Outer-Inner-Last
We demonstrate this by multiplying the expressions (3x2 – 4yz3) and (5x3y –
6xz2).
First – means we multiply the first terms: 3x2 and 5x3y

(3x2 – 4yz3)(5x3y – 6xz2) = 15x5y …

Outer – means we multiply the outer terms: 3x2 and – 6xz2

(3x2 – 4yz3)(5x3y – 6xz2) = 15x5y – 18x3z2…

Inner – means we multiply the inner terms: –4yz3 and 5x3y

(3x2 – 4yz3)(5x3y – 6xz2) = 15x5y – 18x3z2 – 20x3y2z3…

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Multiplication of Algebraic Expressions

Last – means we multiply the last terms: – 4yz3 and – 6xz2

(3x2 – 4yz3)(5x3y – 6xz2) = 15x5y – 18x3z2 – 20x3y2z3 + 24xyz5

The product is 15x5y – 18x3z2 – 20x3y2z3 + 24xyz5
Don’t forget to combine similar terms. In our previous example, none of the
terms can be combined.
In multiplying algebraic expressions, the idea is to multiply every term of one
algebraic expression with the other algebraic expression. This can also be
accomplished by placing them in rows. This is demonstrated in the example
below.
Ex. Get the product of (3x + 5y) and (4x – 7y)
Let us follow these steps:
1. Write the expressions in 2 rows.
3x + 5y
4x – 7y

2. Multiply the first term of the first row by the terms of the second row.
Write the products on the row below them.

3x + 5y
4x – 7y
12x2 – 21xy
3. Multiply the second term of the first row by the terms of the second row.
Write the products on the row below the products from the previous step.
We have to see to it that we align similar terms (in this case, – 21xy and
20xy)
3x + 5y
4x – 7y
12x2 – 21xy
20xy – 35y2
4. Combine similar terms to get the final answer
3x + 5y
4x – 7y
12x2 – 21xy

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 20xy – 35y2
12x2 – xy – 35y2
We can also use this process to multiply algebraic expressions composed of
three or more terms.

Multiplying two Algebraic Expressions Having More Than Two Terms

Let us multiply (8x + 7y – 4z) and (2x – 4y + 5z).
Let us follow these steps:
1. Write the expressions in 2 rows.
8x + 7y – 4z
2x – 4y + 5z
2. Multiply the first term of the first row by the terms of the second row.
Write the products on the row below them.

8x + 7y – 4z
2x – 4y + 5z
16x2 – 32xy + 40xz
3. Multiply the second term of the first row by the terms of the second row.
Write the products on the row below the products from the previous step.
We have to see to it that we align similar terms (in this case, – 32xy and
14xy)

8x + 7y – 4z
2x – 4y + 5z
16x2 – 32xy + 40xz
14xy – 28y2 + 35yz
4. Multiply the last term of the first row by the terms of the second row.

8x + 7y – 4z
2x – 4y + 5z
16x2 – 32xy + 40xz
14xy – 28y2 + 35yz
– 8xz + 16yz – 20z2
5. Combine similar terms to get the final answer.

8x + 7y – 4z
2x – 4y + 5z
16x2 – 32xy + 40xz
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Multiplication of Algebraic Expressions

14xy – 28y2 + 35yz

– 8xz + 16yz – 20z2
16x2 – 18xy + 32xz – 28y2 + 51yz – 20z2

References
Vance, E.P. (1984). Modern Algebra and Trigonometry, 3rd Ed. Addison
Wesley

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