Expert: Scott A Wilson - 11/6/2009

Question
Multiply:
(-4n)^2(3n^5)^2=(-4*3)^2(n*n^5)^2=24 *n^6^2 ?

The exponents outside the parentheses has confused me.  

Answer
The exponets apply to every term inside the parenthesis.
For (-4n)^2, you get 16n^2.
For (3n^5)^2, you get 9n^10.
For (-4*3)^2, you get -12^2 = 144.
For (n*n^5)^2, you get (n^6)^2 = n^12.
For 24*n^6^2, you get 24*n^12.

The 1st term is (16n^2)(9n^10+ = 144n^12.

The 2nd term is 144n^6^2 = 144n^12.

The 3rd term, though is not really equal as written.
It is 24n^12.

Did something get forgotten?