Question

Choose the correct simplification of the expression b5 ⋅ b4. b b9 b20 b−1

Answer 1

For this case we have the following expression:

`b ^ 5b ^ 4`

We must consider the following property of the exponents.

• In multiplication, when we have the same base, the exponents are added.

Rewriting the given expression we have:

`b ^ 5b ^ 4 = b ^ {(5 + 4)}\\b ^ 5b ^ 4 = b ^ 9`

Answer:

the correct simplification of the expression is:

`b ^ 5b ^ 4 = b ^ 9`

Answer 2

When multiplying like terms, you add the exponents:

b^5 · b^4 = b^(5+4) = b^9

FYI - when dividing like terms, subtract the exponents.

The only time we multiply exponents is when they distribute across parentheses:
(x³)² = x^6