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Multiplying monomials review

A monomial is a polynomial with just one term. For example, 2a^5 is a monomial. This article reviews how to multiply monomials (e.g., 2a^5 * 3a^2 = 6a^7).
A monomial is a polynomial with just one term, like 2x or 7y. Multiplying monomials is a foundational skill for being able to multiply binomials and polynomials more generally, so it's good to review a few examples.

Example 1

Simplify.
(4x2)(7x3)
When a number is next to a variable, it means they are multiplied. So,
(4x2)(7x3)
is the same as
(4)(x2)(7)(x3).
Now we can rearrange the factors because multiplication is commutative (a fancy way of saying that the order in which we multiply things doesn't matter).
(4)(7)(x2)(x3)
Then simplify, and we're done!
28x5

Example 2

Simplify.
(8a2)(5a6)
When a number is next to a variable, it means they are multiplied. So,
(8a2)(5a6)
is the same as
(8)(a2)(5)(a6).
Now we can rearrange the factors because multiplication is commutative (a fancy way of saying that the order in which we multiply things doesn't matter).
(8)(5)(a2)(a6)
Then simplify, and we're done!
40a8
Want to see another example? Check out this video.

Practice

Problem 1
Simplify.
(7h3)(3h7)

Want more practice? Check out this exercise. Also check out this challenge exercise.

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