Question

How would i work a problem dealing with the multiplication of polynomials? 7x^2 * y^3

Answer 1

First of all, it's important to recognize different variables. x means some number, and y means some number. We're not given what these numbers are, so we can't combine them. You can combine like variables in the example : 3x times 4x = 12x^2. You multiply the constants no matter what the variables are. If the variables are alike, then you add their exponents. If the variables are not alike, then you multiply the constants, and just multiply the variables. Example: 3y times 4x = 12xy.

Answer 2

ohh but what do i do if im borrowing your example 3y^2 times 4x^4

Answer 3

First, multiply the constants. In your problem, the constants are 3 and 4.

Answer 4

You can't combine y^2 times x^4, so we just say that we're multiplying them by putting them side by side in alphabetical order.

Answer 5

yes but then what happens to the powers?

Answer 6

which one would the power go with

Answer 7

Nothing. We don't change the powers because the variables y and x are not the same.

Answer 8

oh so it would end up like this 12x^2y^4

Answer 9

x^2 * y^2 = \[x^2 y^2\]

Answer 10

or like this 12xy^8

Answer 11

The first one.

Answer 12

Try your problem now.

Answer 13

brb

Answer 14

ahh alright thank you so much!

Answer 15

this helped a lot!

Answer 16

what did you get?

Answer 17

so with my example the answer would be 7x^2y^3

Answer 18

Right. Good job!

Answer 19

yaaaaa thanks you again for helping me :D

Answer 20

No problem.