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

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> 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      Log On


   

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) About Me  (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) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Original equation: -5a%5E2b%5E3
a+=+-2 and b+=+-4
Step 1: Replace 'a' and 'b' into the equation
-5%28-2%29%5E2%28-4%29%5E3
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 %28-2%29%5E2 is and what %28-4%29%5E3 is
Step 3: Simplify
-5%28-2%29%5E2%28-4%29%5E3
-5%284%29%28-64%29
Step 4: Now you can multiply straight across without a problem
-5%284%29%28-64%29
1280
The answer is 1280.. you were correct!