Multiply Algebraic Terms with Powers

This activity is about the multiplication of algebraic terms with powers.

Example

Simplify:

2a³ × 5a⁴

Answer

Remember what 2a³ and 5a⁴ mean and multiply them.

We get:    

2 × a × a × a × 5 × a × a × a × a

Bring the numbers to the front to get:

2 × 5 × a × a × a × a × a × a × a

This gives us

10 × a × a × a × a × a × a × a

which simplifies to

10a⁷

Quick method

Simplify:

2a³ × 5a⁴

Answer

Multiply the numbers (2 × 5 = 10).

Add the indices of identical letters (3 + 4 = 7).

Answer is 10a⁷.

Shall we have a go at some questions now?