Simplifying Expressions with Exponents
This article will guide you through simplifying the expression (a^3b)^4(ab^6)^2.
Understanding the Rules of Exponents
Before we begin simplifying, let's refresh our memory on the key rules of exponents:
- Product of powers: a^m * a^n = a^(m+n)
- Power of a power: (a^m)^n = a^(m*n)
- Power of a product: (ab)^n = a^n * b^n
Step-by-Step Simplification
-
Apply the power of a power rule:
- (a^3b)^4 = a^(34) * b^(14) = a^12 * b^4
- (ab^6)^2 = a^(12) * b^(62) = a^2 * b^12
-
Substitute the simplified terms back into the original expression:
- (a^12 * b^4) * (a^2 * b^12)
-
Apply the product of powers rule:
- a^(12+2) * b^(4+12) = a^14 * b^16
Final Result
Therefore, the simplified form of (a^3b)^4(ab^6)^2 is a^14 * b^16.