The Rules of Exponent Multiplication

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 94 views

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Understanding the Problem

When multiplying polynomials, it's essential to follow the correct order of operations to ensure that the resulting expression is accurate. In this article, we'll focus on finding the product of two polynomials, specifically the expression ${-8x^5y^2 \cdot 6x^2y}$ .

The Rules of Exponent Multiplication

Before we dive into the problem, let's review the rules of exponent multiplication. When multiplying two variables with the same base, we add their exponents. For example, ${x^a \cdot x^b = x^{a+b}}$ . However, when multiplying variables with different bases, we multiply the coefficients and add the exponents. For instance, ${x^a \cdot y^b = x^a \cdot y^b}$ .

Multiplying the Polynomials

Now that we've reviewed the rules of exponent multiplication, let's apply them to the given expression. We'll start by multiplying the coefficients, which are -8 and 6. This gives us:

${-8 \cdot 6 = -48}$

Next, we'll multiply the variables. We'll start with the x terms. We have ${x^5}$ and ${x^2}$ , so we'll add their exponents:

${x^5 \cdot x^2 = x^{5+2} = x^7}$

Now, let's multiply the y terms. We have ${y^2}$ and ${y}$ , so we'll add their exponents:

${y^2 \cdot y = y^{2+1} = y^3}$

Combining the Results

Now that we've multiplied the coefficients and variables, we can combine the results to get the final expression:

${-48x^7y^3}$

Evaluating the Answer Choices

Let's evaluate the answer choices to see which one matches our result.

A. ${-8x^{10}y^2}$

This expression has the wrong coefficient and exponents, so it's not the correct answer.

B. ${-8x^7y^3}$

This expression matches our result, so it's the correct answer.

C. ${-48x^7y^3}$

This expression has the correct coefficient, but the wrong coefficient in the original expression was -8, not -48.

D. ${-48x^{10}y^2}$

This expression has the wrong exponents, so it's not the correct answer.

Conclusion

In this article, we've demonstrated how to multiply polynomials using the rules of exponent multiplication. We've applied these rules to the expression ${-8x^5y^2 \cdot 6x^2y}$ and obtained the final result ${-48x^7y^3}$ . We've also evaluated the answer choices to see which one matches our result.

Key Takeaways

When multiplying polynomials, it's essential to follow the correct order of operations.
The rules of exponent multiplication state that when multiplying two variables with the same base, we add their exponents.
When multiplying variables with different bases, we multiply the coefficients and add the exponents.
To multiply polynomials, we multiply the coefficients and variables separately and then combine the results.

Practice Problems

Multiply the polynomials ${2x^3y^2 \cdot 3x^2y}$ .
Multiply the polynomials ${4x^2y^3 \cdot 2x^2y}$ .
Multiply the polynomials ${5x^4y^2 \cdot 3x^2y}$ .

Solutions

${6x^5y^3}$
${8x^4y^4}$
${15x^6y^3}$

Conclusion

Multiplying polynomials is a fundamental concept in algebra that requires a clear understanding of the rules of exponent multiplication. By following these rules and applying them to specific problems, we can obtain accurate results and solve complex equations. In this article, we've demonstrated how to multiply polynomials using the rules of exponent multiplication and provided practice problems for readers to try.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the rules of exponent multiplication?

A: When multiplying two variables with the same base, we add their exponents. For example, ${x^a \cdot x^b = x^{a+b}}$ . When multiplying variables with different bases, we multiply the coefficients and add the exponents. For instance, ${x^a \cdot y^b = x^a \cdot y^b}$ .

Q: How do I multiply polynomials?

A: To multiply polynomials, you multiply the coefficients and variables separately and then combine the results. For example, to multiply ${2x^3y^2 \cdot 3x^2y}$ , you would multiply the coefficients (2 and 3) to get 6, and then multiply the variables (x^3 and x^2) to get x^5, and finally multiply the variables (y^2 and y) to get y^3.

Q: What is the difference between multiplying polynomials and multiplying numbers?

A: When multiplying numbers, you simply multiply the numbers together. However, when multiplying polynomials, you must also consider the exponents of the variables. This means that you must add the exponents of the variables when multiplying them together.

Q: Can I multiply polynomials with different bases?

A: Yes, you can multiply polynomials with different bases. When multiplying variables with different bases, you multiply the coefficients and add the exponents. For example, to multiply ${x^2 \cdot y^3}$ , you would multiply the coefficients (1 and 1) to get 1, and then multiply the exponents (2 and 3) to get 5.

Q: How do I simplify a polynomial after multiplying it?

A: To simplify a polynomial after multiplying it, you can combine like terms. Like terms are terms that have the same variable and exponent. For example, to simplify ${2x^2y + 3x^2y}$ , you would combine the like terms to get ${5x^2y}$ .

Q: Can I multiply polynomials with negative coefficients?

A: Yes, you can multiply polynomials with negative coefficients. When multiplying polynomials with negative coefficients, you simply multiply the coefficients together, just like you would with positive coefficients. For example, to multiply ${-2x^2y \cdot 3x^2y}$ , you would multiply the coefficients (-2 and 3) to get -6.

Q: How do I multiply polynomials with fractional coefficients?

A: To multiply polynomials with fractional coefficients, you simply multiply the coefficients together, just like you would with whole numbers. For example, to multiply ${\frac{1}{2}x^2y \cdot \frac{3}{4}x^2y}$ , you would multiply the coefficients (\frac{1}{2} and \frac{3}{4}) to get \frac{3}{8}.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not following the order of operations: When multiplying polynomials, it's essential to follow the correct order of operations. This means that you should multiply the coefficients and variables separately and then combine the results.
Not combining like terms: When simplifying a polynomial after multiplying it, it's essential to combine like terms. This means that you should add or subtract the coefficients of terms that have the same variable and exponent.
Not considering the exponents of the variables: When multiplying polynomials, it's essential to consider the exponents of the variables. This means that you should add the exponents of the variables when multiplying them together.

Conclusion

Multiplying polynomials is a fundamental concept in algebra that requires a clear understanding of the rules of exponent multiplication. By following these rules and applying them to specific problems, we can obtain accurate results and solve complex equations. In this article, we've provided a Q&A guide to help readers understand the rules of exponent multiplication and how to multiply polynomials.