Solve: (5×6×4)^x × 3^x × 4^y Exponential Expression

Exponent Laws with Combining Powers

Solve the following problem:

(5×6×4)x×3x×4y= (5\times6\times4)^x\times3^x\times4^y=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:13 Let's simplify the problem together!
00:17 First, solve the expressions inside the parentheses.
00:31 Great job! Here's the solution.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following problem:

(5×6×4)x×3x×4y= (5\times6\times4)^x\times3^x\times4^y=

2

Step-by-step solution

Begin by calculating the result of the multiplication inside of the parentheses in the first term of the multiplication and proceed to write down the entire expression:

(564)x3x4y=120x3x4y (5\cdot6\cdot4)^x\cdot3^x\cdot4^y=120^x\cdot3^x\cdot4^y
Note that the first two terms in the multiplication have the same exponent, hence we can apply the law of exponents for parentheses, however in the opposite direction:

zntn=(zt)n z^n\cdot t^n=(z\cdot t)^n
This means that instead of opening the parentheses whilst applying the (same) exponent to each term of the multiplication inside the parentheses. We'll place the two terms (with identical exponents) as a multiplication inside of the parentheses under the exponent. This is possible in this problem given that the first two terms in the multiplication have identical exponents,

Let's apply it to the problem:

120x3x4y=(1203)x4y 120^x\cdot3^x\cdot4^y =(120\cdot3)^x\cdot4^y
Now we can of course calculate the result of the multiplication inside the parentheses if we want, and simplify the resulting expression even further, but at this stage it's worth noting that this result is answer A, and there is no other answer among the options that is both correct and more simplified,

Therefore, the correct answer is A.

3

Final Answer

(120×3)x×4y (120\times3)^x\times4^y

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Terms with identical exponents can be combined inside parentheses
  • Technique: 120x×3x=(120×3)x 120^x \times 3^x = (120 \times 3)^x using reverse power law
  • Check: Verify by expanding: (120×3)x=120x×3x (120 \times 3)^x = 120^x \times 3^x

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Trying to combine terms with different exponents
    Don't combine 120x×4y 120^x \times 4^y into (120×4)x+y (120 \times 4)^{x+y} = wrong result! Different exponents (x and y) cannot be combined using the reverse power law. Always check that exponents are identical before applying an×bn=(a×b)n a^n \times b^n = (a \times b)^n .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 112^0=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can I combine 120^x and 3^x but not 4^y?

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The reverse power law an×bn=(a×b)n a^n \times b^n = (a \times b)^n only works when the exponents are exactly the same. Since 120^x and 3^x both have exponent x, they combine. But 4^y has a different exponent (y), so it stays separate.

Do I have to calculate 5×6×4 first?

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Yes! Always simplify what's inside parentheses first. 5×6×4=120 5 \times 6 \times 4 = 120 , so (5×6×4)x=120x (5 \times 6 \times 4)^x = 120^x . This makes the rest of the problem much cleaner.

Can I multiply 120×3 to get 360^x?

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Absolutely! Since we have (120×3)x (120 \times 3)^x , you can calculate 120×3=360 120 \times 3 = 360 to get 360x×4y 360^x \times 4^y . Both forms are correct - it depends on what the question asks for.

What if all three terms had the same exponent?

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If you had 120x×3x×4x 120^x \times 3^x \times 4^x , then you could combine all three: (120×3×4)x=1440x (120 \times 3 \times 4)^x = 1440^x . The key is that all exponents must be identical.

How do I remember when to use this law?

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Look for the pattern: same exponent, different bases. When you see terms like an×bn a^n \times b^n , you can always write them as (a×b)n (a \times b)^n . Think of it as factoring out the common exponent.

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