SOLUTION: Explain how (-8x)^5 and -8x^5 are different.

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Equations -> SOLUTION: Explain how (-8x)^5 and -8x^5 are different.      Log On

Ad: Algebrator™ solves your algebra problems and provides step-by-step explanations!
Ad: Algebra Solved!™: algebra software solves algebra homework problems with step-by-step help!

   

Question 315878: Explain how (-8x)^5 and -8x^5 are different.
Answer by Earlsdon(6287) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28-8x%29%5E5 means multiply %28-8x%29 by itself five times, or:
%28-8x%29%28-8x%29%28-8x%29%28-8x%29%28-8x%29+=+-32768x%5E5 Notice here that the exponent applies to both the -8 and the x, so you get %28%28-8%29%5E5%29%2A%28x%29%5E5+=+-+-32768x%5E5
On the other hand...
-8x%5E5 means multiply -8 by x%5E5 so...
-8x%5E5+=+-8x%5E5 Here, the exponent applies only to the x and not to the -8.