Question

How do you simplify `(8y^3)(-3x^2y^2)(3/8xy^4)`?

Answer 1

`-9x^3y^9`

Explanation:

Well, since multiplication is commutative we can change the order and group similar variables together and constants together, so this is same as
`(8)(-3)(3/8)(y^3y^2y^4)(x^2x)`
Then we can cancel `8/8` since `= 1` and left with `(-3)(3)=-9` for constant part. When multiplying powers with same base we add exponents so `(y^3y^2y^4)=y^9`
And `(x^2x)=x^3`.

Putting it all back together gives `-9x^3y^9`

Answer 2

`color(blue)(-9x^3y^9)`

Explanation:

Multiply it out:
`(8y^3)(-3x^2y^2)(3/8xy^4)`
When multiplying variables, add the exponents:
`(-24x^2y^5)(3/8xy^4)`
`color(blue)(-9x^3y^9)`