Simplify a^4 x a^5

Question = Simplify a4 x a5-------------------------------------------So here we have two 'groups' of a being multiplied together. We can rewrite a4 and a5 as the following:a4 = a x a x a x aa5 = a x a x a x a x aIf we substitute these into the original question we have:a4 x a5 = a x a x a x a x a x a x a x a x aIf we count these we have 9 lots of a multiplied together, so this can be rewritten as a9.Notice that 4 + 5 = 9, so when we multiply two identical values or letters (these are sometimes called "variables") that are presented in index / power form, we can simply add the powers together.So, to conclude: a4x a5 = a9, which we can obtain from the techniques of multiplying indices.

FA
Answered by Finn A. Maths tutor

8009 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Factorise fully 12x^2-20x+3


y is inversely proportional to d^2 and when d = 10, y = 4. d is directly proportional to x^2 and when x = 2, d = 24. Find a formula for y in terms of x. Give your answer in its simplest form.


A,B and C all lie on the line x^2 + y^2 = 49 where A is on the y axis, B is on the X axis and C is the mid point of the straight-line connecting A and B.


Simplify: y+y-x×x


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning