How do you simplify #(8y^3)(-3x^2y^2)(3/8xy^4)#?

2 Answers
Jan 10, 2018

#-9x^3y^9#

Explanation:

Well, since multiplication is commutative we can change the order and group similar variables together and constants together, so this is same as
#(8)(-3)(3/8)(y^3y^2y^4)(x^2x)#
Then we can cancel #8/8# since # = 1# and left with #(-3)(3)=-9# for constant part. When multiplying powers with same base we add exponents so #(y^3y^2y^4)=y^9#
And #(x^2x)=x^3#.

Putting it all back together gives #-9x^3y^9#

Jan 10, 2018

#color(blue)(-9x^3y^9)#

Explanation:

Multiply it out:
#(8y^3)(-3x^2y^2)(3/8xy^4)#
When multiplying variables, add the exponents:
#(-24x^2y^5)(3/8xy^4)#
#color(blue)(-9x^3y^9)#