Expert: Paul Klarreich - 3/8/2008

Question
   I don't know the answer to this at all
     3(x+15) (x-2) =  what         Show me each step
> to the  solution.

thanks for any assistance, we have no idea why he wants this but he was an electrician

Answer
Questioner:   Jodi
Category:  Advanced Math
Private:  No
 
Subject:  Algebra question from my father
Question:     I don't know the answer to this at all
    3(x+15) (x-2) =  what         Show me each step
> to the  solution.

thanks for any assistance, we have no idea why he wants this but he was an electrician
................................
Hi, Jodi,

I think you just do some routine simplifications:

Multiply the binomials:

3(x+15)(x-2)  =

3(x^2 + 13x - 30)

Multiply out the common factor of 3, and you get:

3x^2 + 39x - 90

which, I believe, was known in the old days as the 'fuse-box' function, related to the peak-current-load value for a fuse box with 'x' fuses.  These days, however, fuses are obsolete -- we use circuit breakers now and this is no longer taught in basic algebra.

You believe me, right?