Simplifying Expressions with Exponents
This article will guide you through simplifying the expression **(-2x²y)² x (-3xy³) **.
Understanding the Properties of Exponents
Before we begin, let's recall some key exponent properties:
- Product of powers: x<sup>m</sup> * x<sup>n</sup> = x<sup>(m+n)</sup>
- Power of a product: (xy)<sup>n</sup> = x<sup>n</sup>y<sup>n</sup>
- Power of a power: (x<sup>m</sup>)<sup>n</sup> = x<sup>(m*n)</sup>
Simplifying the Expression
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Simplify (-2x²y)²:
- Apply the power of a product rule: (-2x²y)² = (-2)²(x²)²(y)² = 4x<sup>4</sup>y²
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Combine the simplified terms:
- We now have: 4x<sup>4</sup>y² * (-3xy³)
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Multiply the coefficients and combine variables:
- 4 * -3 = -12
- x<sup>4</sup> * x = x<sup>(4+1)</sup> = x<sup>5</sup>
- y² * y³ = y<sup>(2+3)</sup> = y<sup>5</sup>
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Final simplified expression:
- -12x<sup>5</sup>y<sup>5</sup>
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified form of (-2x²y)² x (-3xy³) is -12x<sup>5</sup>y<sup>5</sup>. By applying the appropriate exponent rules, we can efficiently simplify complex expressions involving variables and exponents.