When does order matter when writing algebraic expression

hello from mrbilldoesmath!

answer:   x (x+6)^2, choice b

discussion:

factor x out of the equation:

x^3 + 12x^2 + 36x = x (x^2 + 12x + 36).

note that 6+6 = 12 and 6*6 = 36 so the above factors into:

x (x+6)^2

which is choice b

you,

mrb

take the logarithm of both sides (the base of the log doesn't matter):

apply the exponent property - this says that :

distribute the log terms on both sides:

group like terms together:

divide through both sides by the coefficient on :

you can do some additional rewriting here using the properties of the logarithm to simplify things if you like: