(3x^2 · y^2) · (-5x · y^4)^2 (3x2y2)(-5xy4)2 The left parenthetical expression has no outer exponents so we can erase the parentheses: 3x2y2(-5xy4)2 Write the remaining parenthetical expression as the bracketed expression [(-5)xy4]2 since you need to group the negative sign along with the 5 in parentheses for the -5 factor 3x2y2[(-5)xy4]2 Since the bracketed expression has an OUTER exponent, make sure every factor inside the bracket has an INNER exponent showing. If it doesn't, give it an INNER exponent of 1. We give (-5) and x INNER exponents of 1 each. 3x2y2[(-5)1x1y4]2 Now remove the brackets by multiplying each INNER exponent by the OUTER exponent 2. 3x2y2(-5)1·2x1·2y4·2 3x2y2(-5)2x2y8 Rearrange the factors: 3(-5)2x2x2y2y8 Write (-5)2 as (25) 3(25)x2x2y2y8 Multiply 3 by 25 getting 75 75x2x2y2y8 Add the exponents of the two x2's, getting x4 75x4y2y8 Add the exponents of the y2 and the y8, getting y10 75x4y10 Edwin AnlytcPhil@aol.com