Tutor profile: Olivia M.

What is the easiest way to distribute two binomials? e.g. (9x+x)*(5x+2x)

The easiest method to remember when distributing binomials is the FOIL method. The letters stand for First, Outside, Inside and Last. Meaning you'll take the product of the first two figures in the respective binomials, the product of the outermost figures, the product of the innermost figures and the last two figures and take the sum of these products to get your answer. ((9x*5x)FIRST) + (9x*2x)OUTSIDE) + (5x*x)INSIDE)+ (x*2x)LAST))

What is hybridization of a chemical structure and how do I assign hybridization to a given chemical compound?

Hybridization can best be described as the mixture of atomic orbitals that results as the valence shells of different molecules combine to form a compound via covalent bonds. Hybridization describes the new arrangement of the s and p orbitals. A good rule of thumb for assigning hybridization to each atom in a compound is to count the number of groups attached to the given atom and subtract one from that number. That will give you the sp hybridization of that atom.

What does it mean for an organism to be "fit" in terms of natural selection?

Fitness in biological/ Darwinian terms refers to an organisms ability to survive to reproductive age, find a mate and reproduce more viable offspring. Viable offspring means that the offspring is also able to reproduce. The goal of these fit organisms is to pass on their genetic material before they die.