SOLUTION: I am confused on how to do the following problem. -5a^2b^3 where a = -2 and b = -4 So do I take -5 times both the a^2 and the b^3? or does the -5 only multiply by the a after

Question 647950: I am confused on how to do the following problem.
-5a^2b^3
where a = -2 and b = -4
So do I take -5 times both the a^2 and the b^3?
or does the -5 only multiply by the a after the exponant.
I am thinking that it is -5(-2^2)(-4^3) = -5(4)(-64)
= -20(-64)
= 1280
Is this correct?
Found 2 solutions by rfer, Algebraic:
Answer by rfer(16322) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
-5a^b^3
-5*-2^2*-4^3
-5*4*-64=1280
Answer by Algebraic(50) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Original equation:
and
Step 1: Replace 'a' and 'b' into the equation

Step 2: We must use order of operations (PEMDAS) in order to solve this correctly. PEMDAS tells us that exponents need to be solved first.
We're going to want to find what is and what is
Step 3: Simplify

Step 4: Now you can multiply straight across without a problem

The answer is .. you were correct!

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