Example

Multiplying −2y(4y2+3y−5)-2y(4y^2 + 3y - 5) Using the Distributive Property

Multiply −2y(4y2+3y−5)-2y(4y^2 + 3y - 5), where a negative monomial is distributed across a trinomial.

Step 1 — Distribute: Multiply −2y-2y by each of the three terms in the trinomial:

(−2y)(4y2)+(−2y)(3y)−(−2y)(5)(-2y)(4y^2) + (-2y)(3y) - (-2y)(5)

Step 2 — Simplify: Compute each monomial product by multiplying the coefficients and adding exponents:

  • (−2)(4)=−8(-2)(4) = -8 and y⋅y2=y3y \cdot y^2 = y^3, giving −8y3-8y^3
  • (−2)(3)=−6(-2)(3) = -6 and y⋅y=y2y \cdot y = y^2, giving −6y2-6y^2
  • (−2y)(−5)=10y(-2y)(-5) = 10y (subtracting a negative produces a positive)

−8y3−6y2+10y-8y^3 - 6y^2 + 10y

The result is −8y3−6y2+10y-8y^3 - 6y^2 + 10y. This example combines several skills: distributing a negative monomial, applying sign rules for multiplication, using the Product Property for Exponents, and recognizing that subtracting a negative becomes addition. The procedure is the same whether the polynomial has two terms or three — every term receives the monomial factor.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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