16Hit1600
Advanced MathHardCoefficient in an expanded product of three factors

Advanced Math practice question

When x(x + 1)(x + 2) is written as x³ + ax² + bx, what is the value of a + b?

Answer: 5

(x + 1)(x + 2) = x² + 3x + 2, and multiplying by x gives x³ + 3x² + 2x. So a + b = 3 + 2 = 5.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 2
2 is b alone.
If you answered 3
3 is a alone.
If you answered 6
6 is 1 + 2 + 3, adding the visible numbers.

More Advanced Math questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.