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

8136 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Johnny take 4 hours 50 minutes to drive 213 miles to Manchester. He then takes the train to Liverpool. Liverpool is 37 miles from Manchester and the train travels at 90mph. Calculate Johnny's average speed for his total journey in mph.


Solve the equation 3x^2+2x-3=3.


Fidn the solutions to the quadratic equation: x^2 - 16 = 0


ABC, DEF and PQRS are parallel lines. BEQ is a straight line. Angle ABE = 60° Angle QER = 80° Work out the size of the angle marked x. Give reasons for each stage of your working.


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