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Simplify the expression 5x times (3x^2 - 5).

  1. 15x^3 - 25x

  2. 15x^3 - 5

  3. -25x^3 + 5

  4. 15x^3 + 5x

The correct answer is: 15x^3 - 25x

To simplify the expression 5x times (3x^2 - 5), you need to distribute 5x to each term inside the parentheses. Starting with the first term in the parentheses, multiply 5x by 3x^2: 5x * 3x^2 = 15x^{1+2} = 15x^3. Next, take the second term in the parentheses and multiply 5x by -5: 5x * (-5) = -25x. Now combine the results from both multiplications: 15x^3 - 25x. This yields the final simplified form, which is 15x^3 - 25x. Thus, the correct choice is the one that matches this result.