Simplify expression using properties of exponents [(-3)^3*(-3)^5]^4 Can you help me with an example of the problem above so I can do my math? A. (-3)^60 B. (-3)^32 C. (-3)^12 D. (-3)^8 I need it worked out so I know how to do it.
Is anyone out there?
Hello?
Your examples from A to D can only be worked out using a calculator that has a power key that should look like this "x^y".
To simplify those expressions you need the properties ab * ac = ab+c and (ab)c = ab*c as well as the property that a negative number raised to an even power is positive. Observe in the first case that [(-3)3 * (-3)5]4 = [(-3)3+5]4 = [(-3)8]4 = [38]4 = 38*4=332
for the rest of the examples: notice that the exponent is even in every case, thus A=360, B=332, C=312, D=38
Often people actually prefer these exponents to their full versions, as they provide useful information to the properties of the numbers, and the full numbers are unreasonably large. A for example equals 42391158275216203514294433201
which is big enough to trouble even the most experienced engineer.
tldr: keep them in their exponent form, but switch negative signs if exponent is even.
