How do you simplify #2*a*b*a*b# in exponential notation?

1 Answer
Sep 2, 2016

#2 xx a xx b xx a xx b = "2aabb" = 2a^2b^2#

Explanation:

Exponents are also called indices. (singular is index)

They are the small numbers to the top right of a base.

An index tells us how many of the same base are multiplied together.

#x^4 = x xx x xx x xx x#

In algebra we don't use x signs between the factors.

We write the variables in alphabetical order, using indices to show how many of the same base there are.

#2 xx a xx b xx a xx b = "2aabb" = 2a^2b^2#