Naomi R.

asked • 10/08/13

i need to evaluate x3y*x2y2 i dont know how?


Evaluate x3y * x2y2

Beth L.

Question:  is the x3y =  x * 3 * y , or is it = to x3y1?  That would change the answer whether the numbers represent numbers or exponents.  The way you write it (with the numbers in the middle), it seems that the numbers represent exponents, not numbers.  What makes me say that also is that x2y2, if it was 2x2y then I could see it representing numbers.  but whe it says x2y2, I assume it means "squared".  If so, the answer you were given is wrong.  In whcih case the answer is X5y3 (adding exponents)
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10/08/13

Aaron C.

The notation was a bit ambiguous, and Beth is correct. If this is the problem you were given, my answer is very wrong, in both cases - the construction of the terms is very important in getting the correct answer. If you are having issues understanding order of operation or notation you may consider enlisting the help of a tutor in your area. That is what we are here for after all. :)
 
As a note, you can use the tool bar at the top of the text box where you input your questions to manipulate your equations. You will notice that there is a function for inputing superscripts (exponents).
 
 
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10/08/13

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Aaron C. answered • 10/08/13

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Let us first put it into a form that is straight forward,
 
3xy * 2x2y=
 
First we can see that the second term can be combined to be in the form of the first term,
 
3xy * 4xy=
 
Now it is clear this is just a simple multiplication problem,
 
12x2y2
 
I hope this helped, let me know!
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Naomi R.

Thnaks that really helped :)
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10/08/13

Aaron C.

I just noticed what you might have been trying to do. Is this what the original problem looks like?
 
3xy * x2y2
 
If so,
 
We want to remember that multiplying like terms requires the addition of exponents (anything raised to the power 1 equals itself),
 
3x1y1 * x2y2 =
 
3x1+2y1+2 =
 
Therefore, our answer is 
 
3x3y3
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10/08/13

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