What about (5r^2)(-4r^-3)?

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What about (5r^2)(-4r^-3)?

when you multiply the 2 and -3, you get -6 so the answer is -20r^-6??

2006-11-16 10:42:14 · 3 answers · asked by makelovenothate 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics

thanks a bunch

2006-11-16 13:11:32 · update #1

3 answers

No, you add exponents when you multiply, so you would have
5*(-4)r^(2-3) =
-20r^-1 = -20/r

2006-11-16 10:46:42 · answer #1 · answered by Helmut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋

No no, those are powers. When you multiply powers, you add them, like such:

(5r^2) * (-4r^-3) = (5)(-4)r^(2 + -3) = -20r^-1 or -20/r

Hope this helps!

2006-11-16 10:46:52 · answer #2 · answered by disposable_hero_too 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋

5r^2*(-4r^-3)

Multiply the base 5*(-4) = -20
the exponent or power adds....2 + (-3) = -1
therefore,
=-20r^-1

2006-11-16 10:46:42 · answer #3 · answered by alandicho 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋