SOLUTION: Please help me solve this problem: Describe and correct the error in simplifying 2x^5 x 2x^4. The error is: 2x^5 x 2x^4= 2x^9. Please help me.

Algebra ->  Exponents -> SOLUTION: Please help me solve this problem: Describe and correct the error in simplifying 2x^5 x 2x^4. The error is: 2x^5 x 2x^4= 2x^9. Please help me.      Log On


   

Question 693124: Please help me solve this problem: Describe and correct the error in simplifying 2x^5 x 2x^4. The error is: 2x^5 x 2x^4= 2x^9. Please help me.
Found 2 solutions by ReadingBoosters, stanbon:
Answer by ReadingBoosters(3246) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
2x%5E5+%2A+2x%5E4+%3C%3E+2x%5E9
While to multiply exponents the exponents must be added, if there are any coefficients, those coefficients must be multiplied.
Therefore, 2x%5E5%2A2x%5E4+=+%282%2A2%29x%5E%285%2B4%29+=+highlight_green%284x%5E9%29
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Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The error is: 2x^5 x 2x^4= 2x^9
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The correct math is
2x^5 *2x^4 = 2*2*x^5*x^4 = 4x^9
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Cheers,
Stan H.