document.write( "Question 1118570: Good morning,\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Quick question about fractions in expressions. The question is as follows:\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "If x=-2/5 and y=5/8\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "What is: 30x^2y?\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "I believe it should be solved like this:\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "30 -(-2/5)^2 x 5/8\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "which gives and answer of: 299/10\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Am I evaluating this correctly?\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Thank you!
\n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #733934 by greenestamps(13209)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


\n" ); document.write( "There is no subtraction involved.

\n" ); document.write( "When the numbers and variables are written next to each other without symbols between them, it means multiplication. Your expression means (30) times (x^2) times (y):

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\n" ); document.write( "And, by the way, never use \"x\" to indicate multiplication -- it looks like the variable x. Use \"*\", or enclose the expressions in parentheses.
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