To simplify the expression \((xy - 2)(x^2 + 1)\), we will use the distributive property (also known as the FOIL method for binomials).
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Distribute \(xy\) across \(x^2 + 1\): \[ xy \cdot x^2 + xy \cdot 1 = xyx^2 + xy = x^3y + xy \]
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Distribute \(-2\) across \(x^2 + 1\): \[ -2 \cdot x^2 + -2 \cdot 1 = -2x^2 - 2 \]
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Now, combine all the terms: \[ x^3y + xy - 2x^2 - 2 \]
Putting it all together, the simplified form of the polynomial expression is:
\[ x^3y - 2x^2 + xy - 2 \]
Therefore, filling in the blanks for your polynomial expression:
- The coefficient for \(x^3y\) is 1.
- The coefficient for \(x^2\) is -2.
- The coefficient for \(xy\) is 1.
- The constant term is -2.
So the final answer is: \[ 1 , x^3 y - 2 , x^2 + 1 , xy - 2 \]