SOLUTION: Simplify: (-5a^2)(-6b^3)^2 I am getting a horrible grade in algebra and I REALLY REALLY NEED HELP!!!!!

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Question 742012: Simplify: (-5a^2)(-6b^3)^2
I am getting a horrible grade in algebra and I REALLY REALLY NEED HELP!!!!!
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, ankor@dixie-net.com:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39616) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Exponentiation first. the 'a' is already taken care. The b is part of a grouped expression which itself is to be exponentiated. Work first with the -6b^3, which is given an exponent of 2.

%28-6%29%28-6%29%28b%5E3%29%2A%28b%5E3%29
=%28%2B36%29b%5E6

Now you can partly simplify the given expression:
%28-5a%5E2%29%28-6b%5E3%29%5E2
=%28-5a%5E2%29%2836b%5E6%29
Since all numbers, exponentiated and not, are present as factors, take advantage of associative property of multiplication - in fact no grouping symbols needed further, so,...
=-1%2A5a%5E2%2A36b%5E6
Take advantage of commutative property of multiplication, and get...
=-1%2A5%2A36%2Aa%5E2%2Ab%5E6
=highlight%28-180a%5E2%2Ab%5E6%29

Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Simplify: %28-5a%5E2%29%28-6b%5E3%29%5E2
Square what is in the 2nd bracket (mult exponents, 6 has an assumed exponent of 1)
%28-5a%5E2%29%28-6%5E2b%5E6%29
which is
%28-5a%5E2%29%2836b%5E6%29 = -180a%5E2b%5E6