Hey guys I have my Algebra EOC tomorrow and I need help solving this practice problem!
(9x^2y^3)(12x^-2y^5)(2xy)
Anyone else thrown off by the negative exponents??

Question

Hey guys I have my Algebra EOC tomorrow and I need help solving this practice problem!
(9x^2y^3)(12x^-2y^5)(2xy)
Anyone else thrown off by the negative exponents??

mathmale · Answer

When confronted with an expression such as this one, I like to present it in Equation Editor (below) for the added clarity:$$(9x^2y^3)(12x ^{-2} y^5)(2xy)$$     If you prefer, you could present the same expression by drawing it in the Draw utility, below.

mathmale · Answer

Hints:  Group the x terms together.
           Group the y terms together.
            Group the constant coefficients together.  Multiply them out.

Your result?

daniel.ohearn1 · Answer

Remember that 12x^-2 is equivalent to 12/(x^2)

mathmale · Answer

Alexa:  Group the constant coefficients together.  Multiply them out.  Share your result, please.

alexatiger · Answer

I had to go really quick, I'm sorry!! I got...A really bad number..208x^0y^9...I don't think I know how to multiply it the right way.

alexatiger · Answer

@mathmale Could you show me how to solve this problem?

alexatiger · Answer

Well...the right answer turned out to be 216y^9.

alexatiger · Answer

OMG YES I GOT IT HAHA THANKS