SOLUTION: Perform the indicated operation. -2a^2 20a^2 _____ . _____ 3a^2 15a^3

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Perform the indicated operation. -2a^2 20a^2 _____ . _____ 3a^2 15a^3      Log On


   

Question 120824: Perform the indicated operation.
-2a^2 20a^2
_____ . _____
3a^2 15a^3
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

%28%28-2a%5E2%29%2F%283a%5E2%29%29%2A%28%2820a%5E2%29%2F%2815a%5E3%29%29 Start with the given expression


%28%28-2a%5E2%29%2A%2820a%5E2%29%29%2F%28%283a%5E2%29%2A%2815a%5E3%29%29 Combine the fractions


%28-40a%5E4%29%2F%2845a%5E5%29 Multiply the numerators and denominators by adding the exponents. Remember x%5E2%2Ax%5E3=x%5E%282%2B3%29=x%5E5. Don't forget to multiply the coefficients.


%28-8%2F9%29a%5E-1 Divide the expression by subtracting the exponents. Remember x%5E5%2Fx%5E3=x%5E%285-3%29=x%5E2. Don't forget to divide the coefficients.


%28-8%2F9%29%281%2Fa%29 Rewrite a%5E-1 as 1%2Fa%5E1=1%2Fa



-8%2F9a Combine the fractions



So %28%28-2a%5E2%29%2F%283a%5E2%29%29%2A%28%2820a%5E2%29%2F%2815a%5E3%29%29 simplifies to -8%2F9a

In other words, %28%28-2a%5E2%29%2F%283a%5E2%29%29%2A%28%2820a%5E2%29%2F%2815a%5E3%29%29=-8%2F9a