How do you simplify # (16a^2b^4)/(-4b^3) times( -4a^5b)/(-8a^3b^2)#?

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Answer 1 · 2016-07-03T18:31:10

# -2a^4#

Approach multiplication in algebra questions step by step.
Signs, numbers, indices

SIGNS: In this example, the final sign will be negative, because there is an odd number (3) of negative signs.

NUMBERS: cancel where possible.

INDICES: combine the indices of like bases in the numerator and denominator

# (cancel16^2a^2b^4)/(-cancel4b^3) xx ( -cancel4a^5b)/(-cancel8a^3b^2) " " = " " (-2a^2b^4)/(b^3) xx ( a^5b)/(a^3b^2)#

#= (-2a^7b^5)/(a^3b^5)#

Subtract indices of like bases

#= -2a^4#