Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: (-5x)³(3x⁶)
This expression involves several concepts in algebra:
- Exponents: The exponent indicates how many times a base is multiplied by itself. For example, x³ = x * x * x.
- Multiplication of Powers: When multiplying exponents with the same base, you add the powers together. For example, x² * x³ = x⁵.
- Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS): This helps determine the order in which operations are performed. Parentheses/Brackets, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).
Let's break down the simplification step by step:
1. Apply the exponent to the first term:
(-5x)³ = (-5x) * (-5x) * (-5x) = -125x³
2. Simplify the second term:
3x⁶ = 3x⁶ (already simplified)
3. Multiply the simplified terms:
-125x³ * 3x⁶ = -375x⁹
Therefore, (-5x)³(3x⁶) simplifies to -375x⁹.