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Multiple Choice
Simplify the expression using exponent rules. (−5a2)(3a8)
A
−8a16
B
−10a10
C
−15a16
D
−15a10
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Start by simplifying the first part of the expression \((-5a^2)(3a^8)\). Use the distributive property of multiplication and the product rule of exponents, which states that \(a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}\).
Step 2: Multiply the coefficients \(-5\) and \(3\) to get \(-15\). Then, add the exponents of \(a\): \(2 + 8 = 10\). This simplifies the first part to \(-15a^{10}\).
Step 3: Now compare the simplified expression \(-15a^{10}\) with the given options. The correct answer should match this simplified form.
Step 4: Verify that the correct answer is \(-15a^{10}\), as it matches the simplified expression obtained in Step 2.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is \(-15a^{10}\), as it satisfies the rules of exponentiation and multiplication.