Pre Cal.

LauraDANG · May 26, 2008, 09:32 AM

I don't know how to simplify this:

4ab^2(-3a^2b)^2/ (-2ab)^3

galactus · May 26, 2008, 11:34 AM

Just apply the laws of exponents. When you multiply exponent terms, you add the exponents. When you divide, you subtract the exponents.

$\frac{4ab^{2}(-3a^{2}b)^{2}}{(-2ab)^{3}}$

$=\frac{36a^{5}b^{4}}{-8a^{3}b^{3}}$

Now, you try finishing. Remember the rule about dividing exponents... subtract the exponents. Just make sure you keep like terms together. That is, you can't divide $\frac{a^{5}}{b^{3}}$ . Keep the a's with the a's and the b's with the b's.

LauraDANG · May 26, 2008, 03:09 PM

ohhh.
so would the answer be 4.5a^2b ?

galactus · May 26, 2008, 03:20 PM

Yes, it would. :)

Except you forgot a negative. Perhaps write the 4.5 as 9/2

Good work. See, you can do it.