Calculating the volume of polynomials involves the standard equation for solving volumes, and basic algebraic arithmetic involving the first outer inner last (FOIL) method.
- Paper
- Pencil
- Calculator (optional)
Utilize a calculator if needed when dealing with large numbers to ensure accuracy. Remember to check the signs of the numbers you are multiplying, because a negative number must be distributed throughout the polynomial.
Write down the basic volume formula, which is volume=length_width_height.
Plug the polynomials into the volume formula.
Example: (3x+2)(x+3)(3x^2-2)
Utilize the first outer inner last (FOIL) method to multiply the first two equations. Further explanation of the FOIL method is found in the references section.
Example: (3x+2)*(x+3) Becomes: (3x^2+11x+6)
Multiply the last given equation (which you did not foil), by the new equation attained by foiling. Further explanation of basic polynomial multiplication is found in the references section.
Example: (3x^2-2)*(3x^2+11x+6) Becomes: (9x^4+33x^3+18x^2-6x^2-22x-12)
Combine the like terms. The result is the volume of the polynomials.
Example: (9x^4+33x^3+18x^2-6x^2-22x-12) Becomes: Volume= (9x^4+33x^3+12x^2-22x-12)
Things You'll Need
Tips
References
About the Author
David Godfrey is a technology writer whose work has been featured on such sites as Issuu.com and LiveJournal. He has produced many articles specializing in electronics, computers and mathematics. Godfrey is a student at Florida State University pursuing a bachelor's degree in creative writing.
Photo Credits
calculatrice image by Noé Rouxel from Fotolia.com