Question

Help!
Simplify:
1. (-z)^3(3z^4)
2. 5(x^2z^6)^3(5x^2z^6)^-3
Thank you!:)

Answer 1

what does (-z)^3 simplify to

Answer 2

-z?
I don't know... :/

Answer 3

close

Answer 4

(-z)^3 = (-1*z)^3

(-z)^3 = (-1)^3*(z)^3

(-z)^3 = -1*z^3

(-z)^3 = -z^3

Answer 5

(-z)^3(3z^4)

turns into

-z^3*3z^4

Answer 6

what's next?

Answer 7

add the z's but the negative is still messing me up :/

Answer 8

think of

-z^3*3z^4

as

-1z^3*3z^4

Answer 9

so the coefficients are -1 and 3, they multiply to -1*3 = -3

Answer 10

z^3 times z^4 = z^(3+4) = z^7

so the final answer is -3z^7

Answer 11

thank you! :)
can you help me with the second one as well?

Answer 12

how far did you get with it?

Answer 13

does exponents distribute first?
if so, does the ^3 distribute to the 5 as well or just the (x^2z^6)?

Answer 14

the exponent of 3 only applies to terms inside the parenthesis

Answer 15

so (x^2z^6)^3 means you cube x^2 and z^6

Answer 16

I got 1/25 after simplifying

Answer 17

let me check

Answer 18

you are correct

Answer 19

thank you for helping me! :) you're the best! :)

Answer 20

you're welcome