Simplifying Expressions with Exponents
This article will guide you through simplifying the expression (-2^2x^3y^4)((-3)^2x^4y^4).
Understanding the Basics
Before we dive into the simplification process, let's recall some key rules of exponents:
- Product of powers: x^m * x^n = x^(m+n)
- Power of a product: (xy)^n = x^n * y^n
- Power of a power: (x^m)^n = x^(m*n)
Step-by-Step Simplification
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Simplify the exponents:
- (-2^2) = (-2)(-2) = 4
- (-3^2) = (-3)(-3) = 9
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Rewrite the expression:
- The expression now becomes: (4x^3y^4)(9x^4y^4)
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Apply the product of powers rule:
- For the x terms: x^3 * x^4 = x^(3+4) = x^7
- For the y terms: y^4 * y^4 = y^(4+4) = y^8
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Combine the terms:
- The expression simplifies to: 4 * 9 * x^7 * y^8 = 36x^7y^8
Final Result
Therefore, the simplified form of (-2^2x^3y^4)((-3)^2x^4y^4) is 36x^7y^8.