Question

simplify the expression below.
$(-14x^{-5}y^{-6})(2xy)$

Explanation:

Step1: Multiply constant terms

$(-14) \times 2 = -28$

Step2: Combine $x$ terms (add exponents)

$x^{-5} \times x^{1} = x^{-5+1} = x^{-4}$

Step3: Combine $y$ terms (add exponents)

$y^{-6} \times y^{1} = y^{-6+1} = y^{-5}$

Step4: Rewrite negative exponents as reciprocals

$x^{-4} = \frac{1}{x^4}, \quad y^{-5} = \frac{1}{y^5}$

Step5: Combine all parts

$-28 \times \frac{1}{x^4} \times \frac{1}{y^5}$

Answer:

$\frac{-28}{x^4 y^5}$