Identify the expression to simplify: \((-5x^{3}y^{2})(-2x^{-11}y^{-2})\).
Multiply the coefficients (numbers) together: \(-5 \times -2\).
Apply the product rule for exponents to the \(x\) terms: \(x^{3} \times x^{-11} = x^{3 + (-11)}\).
Apply the product rule for exponents to the \(y\) terms: \(y^{2} \times y^{-2} = y^{2 + (-2)}\).
Combine the results from the coefficient multiplication and the simplified variables to write the final simplified expression.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
4m
Play a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Laws of Exponents
The laws of exponents govern how to simplify expressions involving powers. Key rules include multiplying powers with the same base by adding their exponents, and handling negative exponents by rewriting them as reciprocals. These rules allow simplification of expressions like x^a * x^b = x^(a+b).
When multiplying algebraic expressions, multiply the coefficients (numerical parts) separately from the variables. For variables with exponents, apply the laws of exponents. This process helps combine terms systematically to simplify the overall expression.
Negative exponents indicate the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent, e.g., x^(-n) = 1/x^n. Understanding this allows rewriting terms with negative exponents into fractions or adjusting exponents during multiplication to simplify expressions correctly.