Question

simplify the expression.
(ab⁴)(ab²)
a^? b^

Explanation:

Step1: Multiply coefficients of \(a\)

For the \(a\) terms, we have \(a\times a\). Using the exponent rule \(x^m\times x^n = x^{m + n}\), here \(m = 1\) and \(n=1\), so \(a^1\times a^1=a^{1 + 1}=a^2\).

Step2: Multiply coefficients of \(b\)

For the \(b\) terms, we have \(b^4\times b^2\). Using the same exponent rule \(x^m\times x^n=x^{m + n}\), with \(m = 4\) and \(n = 2\), so \(b^4\times b^2=b^{4+2}=b^6\).

Step3: Combine results

Combining the results for \(a\) and \(b\), we get \(a^2b^6\). So the exponent for \(a\) is \(2\).

Answer:

\(2\)