Learn Before
Example

Multiplying (3x2)(4x3)(3x^2)(-4x^3)

Multiply the two single-variable monomials (3x2)(4x3)(3x^2)(-4x^3). Step 1 — Rearrange using the Commutative Property. Group the numerical coefficients together and the powers of xx together: 3(4)x2x33 \cdot (-4) \cdot x^2 \cdot x^3 Step 2 — Multiply the coefficients and apply the Product Property. The coefficients have different signs, so their product is negative: 3(4)=123 \cdot (-4) = -12. For the variable part, both factors share the base xx, so add the exponents: x2x3=x2+3=x5x^2 \cdot x^3 = x^{2+3} = x^5. The result is 12x5-12x^5. This example demonstrates the basic pattern for multiplying two monomials that share a single variable: rearrange to separate the numerical and variable parts, multiply the numbers, and add the exponents on the common base.

0

1

Updated 2026-05-13

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

OpenStax

Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.6 Polynomials - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Algebra

Math

Prealgebra

Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.5 Polynomials and Polynomial Functions - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Related
Learn After