In the problem(5a^2b)(-6a^3b^4) , Terrence got -30a^6b^4. Find his 2 mistakes and correct them

Question

In the problem(5a^2b)(-6a^3b^4) ,  Terrence got -30a^6b^4.  Find his 2 mistakes and correct them

anonymous · Answer

To multiply powers add the exponents.

anonymous · Answer

$$5a^{2b}-\left( 6a^{3b} \right)^{4}$$

This?

anonymous · Answer

oops, multiplied together, not subtracted

anonymous · Answer

$$\left( 5a^{2}b \right)\left( -6a^3b^4 \right)$$

When exponenets with the same base are multiplied together, you add their exponents. So in this case, a to the 2nd is multiplied by a to the 3rd, so you're left with a to the 5th. b is multipied by b to the 4th, so you're left with b to the 5th.

5 and -6 multiply to -30 and stay in front.

Your correct answer is

$$-30a^5b^5$$