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Describe the error in this problem. What would you do differently?

(4x^3 y^7)^3
=12x^9 y^21

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

4 was multiplied by 3; instead the 4 should've been raised by the power of 3.

Explanation:

For my analysis I am assuming that the exponent on the first figure is only on the variable.

(4x^3 y^7)^3

Distribute the exponent on the parentheses to all exponents inside of the parenthesis.

((4^3) ((x^3)^3) ((y^7)^3))

64(x^9)(y^21)

The error in the problem therefore, is that 4 was multiplied by 3 instead of raised by the power of 3 (4(4)(4)).

User Martins
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