Question

If (5x^4)(2x^6)=ax^b, what is the value of a-b?

Answer 1

`5x^4\cdot2x^6=ax^b\\10x^(10)=ax^b\\a=10 \wedge b=10`

`a-b=10-10=0`

Answer 2

`(5x^4)(2x^6)=(5\cdot2)(x^4\cdot x^6)=10x^(4+6)=10x^(10)=ax^b`

so

​
`a=10\qquad b=10`

and

`a-b=10-10=\boxed{0}`