so,
ab^(2) (2a^(2) - 4ab - 6b^(2) )
the first part comes out to 2a^(3) b^(2) but why does it come out to a^(3) and not a^(4)?

Question

so, 
ab^(2) (2a^(2) - 4ab - 6b^(2) )
the first part comes out to  2a^(3) b^(2)  but why does it come out to a^(3) and not a^(4)?

anonymous · Answer

Because you have an "a" multplied by an "a^2" which is a^3 :)

aimmebgood · Answer

explain please??

anonymous · Answer

Your multiplication is:
$$(ab ^{2})(2a ^{2})$$ So you get:
$$2a ^{1+2}b ^{2}= 2a ^{3}b ^{2}$$

anonymous · Answer

I think I see where you may be getting confused. The power of 2 in the first expression ab^2 doesn't impact the a term. It is solely squaring the b.

anonymous · Answer

you could essentially put a(b^2) but that's unnecessary. if the a was being squared too, you'd have (ab)^2

aimmebgood · Answer

OH! well duh. now i get it. well that was more simple then i thought. lol

anonymous · Answer

hahaha glad i could clarify :)

aimmebgood · Answer

thanks a lot