Simplifying the Expression (3x²y⁴)(4xy²)
This expression involves multiplying two monomials, where a monomial is a single term consisting of a coefficient and one or more variables with exponents. To simplify this, we use the following rules:
- Product of Powers Rule: When multiplying powers with the same base, add their exponents.
- Example: x² * x³ = x⁵
- Commutative Property: The order of multiplication doesn't matter.
- Example: 3 * 4 = 4 * 3
Step 1: Rearrange the terms using the Commutative Property:
(3x²y⁴)(4xy²) = 3 * 4 * x² * x * y⁴ * y²
Step 2: Apply the Product of Powers Rule:
3 * 4 * x² * x * y⁴ * y² = 12 * x³ * y⁶
Therefore, the simplest form of (3x²y⁴)(4xy²) is 12x³y⁶.