Pre-Algebra Examples

$(- 2 a^{4} b^{- 4}) (- 3 a^{- 4} b^{4})$

Step 1

The polynomial cannot be factored using the grouping method. Try a different method, or if you aren't sure, choose Factor.

The polynomial cannot be factored using the grouping method.

Step 2

Remove unnecessary parentheses.

$- 2 a^{4} b^{- 4} \cdot - 3 a^{- 4} b^{4}$

Step 3

Combine exponents.

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Step 3.1

Multiply $- 3$ by $- 2$ .

$6 a^{4} b^{- 4} a^{- 4} b^{4}$

Step 3.2

Multiply $a^{4}$ by $a^{- 4}$ by adding the exponents.

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Step 3.2.1

Move $a^{- 4}$ .

$6 (a^{- 4} a^{4}) b^{- 4} b^{4}$

Step 3.2.2

Use the power rule $a^{m} a^{n} = a^{m + n}$ to combine exponents.

$6 a^{- 4 + 4} b^{- 4} b^{4}$

Step 3.2.3

Add $- 4$ and $4$ .

$6 a^{0} b^{- 4} b^{4}$

Step 3.3

Simplify $6 a^{0} b^{- 4}$ .

$6 b^{- 4} b^{4}$

Step 3.4

Multiply $b^{- 4}$ by $b^{4}$ by adding the exponents.

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Step 3.4.1

Move $b^{4}$ .

$6 (b^{4} b^{- 4})$

Step 3.4.2

Use the power rule $a^{m} a^{n} = a^{m + n}$ to combine exponents.

$6 b^{4 - 4}$

Step 3.4.3

Subtract $4$ from $4$ .

$6 b^{0}$

Step 3.5

Simplify $6 b^{0}$ .

$6$