Multiply and Simplify: b^(-3) × b^3 × b^4 × b^(-2) Expression

Exponent Multiplication with Negative Powers

Simplify the following expression:

b3×b3×b4×b2= b^{-3}\times b^3\times b^4\times b^{-2}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:11 Let's simplify this problem step by step.
00:15 When multiplying numbers with the same base,
00:18 the new exponent is the sum of the old exponents.
00:23 Let's apply this by adding the exponents together.
00:29 And that's our solution! Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Simplify the following expression:

b3×b3×b4×b2= b^{-3}\times b^3\times b^4\times b^{-2}=

2

Step-by-step solution

When we need to calculate multiplication between terms with identical bases, we should use the appropriate exponent law:

aman=am+n a^m\cdot a^n=a^{m+n}

Note that this law is valid for any number of terms in multiplication and not just for two terms. For example, for multiplication of three terms with the same base we obtain the following:

amanak=am+nak=am+n+k a^m\cdot a^n\cdot a^k=a^{m+n}\cdot a^k=a^{m+n+k}

Here we applied the exponent law twice however we can also perform the same calculation for four or more terms in multiplication ..

Additionally, this law can only be used to calculate multiplication performed between terms with identical bases,

In this problem there are also terms with negative exponents, but this doesn't pose an issue regarding the use of the above exponent law. In fact, this exponent law is valid in all cases for numerical terms with different exponents, including negative exponents, rational number exponents, and even irrational number exponents, etc.

From here on we will no longer indicate the multiplication sign, instead we will place terms next to each other.

Let's return to the problem and apply the above law:

b3b3b4b2=b3+3+42=b2 b^{-3}b^3b^4b^{-2}=b^{-3+3+4-2}=b^2

Therefore the correct answer is B.

3

Final Answer

b2 b^2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: When multiplying same bases, add all exponents together
  • Technique: Count carefully: -3 + 3 + 4 + (-2) = 2
  • Check: Final exponent should equal sum of all individual exponents ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Multiplying exponents instead of adding them
    Don't multiply the exponents like -3 × 3 × 4 × (-2) = 72! This gives b^72 instead of b^2. When bases are the same in multiplication, exponents are ADDED, not multiplied. Always use the rule a^m × a^n = a^(m+n).

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( (3\times4\times5)^4= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do we add exponents when multiplying?

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The exponent rule am×an=am+n a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n} comes from what exponents mean! For example, b2×b3=(b×b)×(b×b×b)=b5 b^2 \times b^3 = (b \times b) \times (b \times b \times b) = b^5 . We're counting total factors.

What happens with negative exponents?

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Negative exponents work exactly the same way! Just add them like any other number. For example, -3 + 3 = 0, so b3×b3=b0=1 b^{-3} \times b^3 = b^0 = 1 .

How do I add negative numbers correctly?

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Think of it as subtraction! -3 + 3 + 4 + (-2) becomes: start with -3, add 3 to get 0, add 4 to get 4, subtract 2 to get 2.

Can I group the terms differently?

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Yes! You can group in any order since addition is commutative. Try grouping opposites first: b3×b3=b0 b^{-3} \times b^3 = b^0 , then b0×b4×b2=b2 b^0 \times b^4 \times b^{-2} = b^2 .

What if all exponents were positive?

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The same rule applies! If you had b1×b2×b3×b4 b^1 \times b^2 \times b^3 \times b^4 , you'd get b1+2+3+4=b10 b^{1+2+3+4} = b^{10} . Always add exponents when multiplying same bases.

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