ACT Question

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ACT Question for June 16th

The product (2x⁴y)(3x⁵y⁸) is equivalent to:

A) 5x⁹y⁹

B) 6x⁹y⁸

C) 6x⁹y⁹

D) 5x²⁰y⁸

E) 6x²⁰y⁸

Correct

Incorrect

The correct answer is (C).

Getting to the Answer: To find the product of two terms, multiply each individual piece together. Thus, (2x⁴y)(3x⁵y⁸)=(2x3)(x⁴x x⁵)(y x y⁸). To multiply two exponents that have the same base, add the exponents. Since y=y1, the expression can be written as 6x⁴⁺⁵y¹⁺⁸, which simplifies to 6xy⁹.

(A) Incorrect: this is the result of adding 2 + 3 instead of multiplying 2 x 3

(B) Incorrect: this treats y as y⁰