Pre-Algebra Demystified

SOLUTION

y^5 y^6 ¼y^5 þ^6 ¼y^11

To multiply two monomials, multiply the numerical coefficients (numbers)
and add the exponents of the same variables (letters).

EXAMPLE
Multiply 5x^3 y^2 3x^2 y^4.

SOLUTION

5x^3 y^2 3x^2 y^4 ¼ 5  3 x^3 x^2 y^2 y^4

¼15x^5 y^6

EXAMPLE

Multiply
3m^5 n^4 6m^2 n^6.

SOLUTION

3m^5 n^4 6m^2 n^6 ¼
 3  6 m^5 m^2 n^4 n^6

¼
18m^7 n^10

Math Note: Recall that x¼x^1.

EXAMPLE

Multiply
xy2x^2 y^3.

SOLUTION

xy2x^2 y^3 ¼
1xy2x^2 y^3

¼
 1  2 xx^2 yy^3

¼
2x^3 y^4

PRACTICE

Multiply:

1. 2xy5xy


2. 
   8a^2 2a^3 b^2


3. 4x^3 y3x^2 y^2 5xy

CHAPTER 12 Monomials and Polynomials 237