BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

What is the coefficient of x2 in the expression (-3x2 + 2x + 1)(x - 1)2?

Expert replies
by Max@Math Revolution » Tue Apr 21, 2020 1:27 am

Timer

00:00

Answers

A

B

C

D

E

Stats

Difficulty

[GMAT math practice question]

What is the coefficient of x^2 in the expression (-3x^2 + 2x + 1)(x - 1)^2?

A. -6
B. -5
C. 4
D. 5
E. 6
Join the discussion
Source: — Problem Solving |

=>

Since (-3x^2 + 2x + 1)(x - 1)^2 = (-3x^2 + 2x + 1)(x – 1)(x – 1)
= (-3x^2 + 2x + 1)(x^2 – 2x + 1)
= -3x^4 + 6x^3 – 3x^2 + 2x^3 – 4x^2 + 2x + x^2 – 2x + 1
= -3x^4 + 8x^3 - 6x^2 + 1, and the coefficient of x^2 is -6.

Therefore, A is the answer.
Answer: A
Join the discussion