Multiplying Polynomials Maze worksheet for algebra practice.

I'll solve this polynomial multiplication maze step by step, starting from "START HERE!" and following the correct path to "FINISHED!".

Let me work through each multiplication carefully:

Starting at "START HERE!": 4x³(2x⁵ - 10)
- Distribute 4x³: 4x³ · 2x⁵ = 8x⁸ and 4x³ · (-10) = -40x³
- Answer: 8x⁸ - 40x³ ✓ (matches the connecting box)

Next: (x - 5)(x + 8)
- Use FOIL: x·x = x², x·8 = 8x, (-5)·x = -5x, (-5)·8 = -40
- Combine: x² + 8x - 5x - 40 = x² + 3x - 40
- Answer: x² + 3x - 40 ✓ (matches the connecting box)

Next: (9x)(2x - 1)
- Distribute 9x: 9x · 2x = 18x² and 9x · (-1) = -9x
- Answer: 18x² - 9x ✓ (matches the connecting box)

Next: (2x - 3y)(2x + 3y)
- This is a difference of squares: (a-b)(a+b) = a² - b²
- (2x)² - (3y)² = 4x² - 9y²
- Answer: 4x² - 9y² ✓ (matches FINISHED!)

Let me verify the complete path works by checking if there are any other possible routes I should consider. Looking at the maze structure, the path I followed is:

START → 4x³(2x⁵ - 10) → (x - 5)(x + 8) → (9x)(2x - 1) → (2x - 3y)(2x + 3y) → FINISHED

All calculations check out correctly!

Final Answer: The completed path through the maze is: START HERE! → 8x⁸ - 40x³ → x² + 3x - 40 → 18x² - 9x → 4x² - 9y² → FINISHED!