coefficient

 

What is the coefficient of x^2 when -5x^3 - 5x^2 - 7x + 1 is multiplied by -x^2 + 6x + 1 and the like terms are combined?     

   (–5x³ – 5x² – 7x + 1)(–x² + 6x + 1)  —–>>    – 5x²     

   (–5x³ – 5x² – 7x + 1)(–x² + 6x + 1)  —–>>  – 42x²     

   (–5x³ – 5x² – 7x + 1)(–x² + 6x + 1)  —–>>       – x²     

 

                combined total of coefficients          – 48     

 

   It isn't necessary to multply the whole thing out.     

   Just find only the terms that will contain an x².     

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