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?
+171 since its a `like terms` thing and its only asking you for $x$ in the power of 2; and how do we get $x^2$? by multiplying two $x$'es right?
thus, you have yo multiply all the variables who have got an $x$ in the power of one in them:
therefore, the figure you are looking for is $-42x^2$
also you have got the $-5x^2\times 1$ as well as the $1\times -x^2$ -- add those to $-42x^2$ and you will have an answer.
