To simplify this expression, 6x^4⋅3x^2

Question

which would be the correct steps?

Add 6 + 3 for the numbers; then multiply 2 x 4 to get the exponent for x.
Add 6 + 3 for the numbers; then multiply 2 x 4 to get the exponent for x.

Multiply 6 x 3 for the numbers; then add 2 + 4 for the exponent on x.
Multiply 6 x 3 for the numbers; then add 2 + 4 for the exponent on x.

Multiply 6 x 3 for the numbers; then multiply 2 x 4 for the exponent on x.
Multiply 6 x 3 for the numbers; then multiply 2 x 4 for the exponent on x.

You cannot simplify this expression because these are not like terms.

Answer 1

To simplify the expression \(6x^4 \cdot 3x^2\), the correct steps would be:

1. Multiply the coefficients: Multiply \(6\) and \(3\) to get \(18\).
2. Add the exponents of \(x\): Since you have \(x^4\) and \(x^2\), you would add the exponents \(4 + 2\) to get \(x^6\).

So, the resulting expression would be:

\[ 6x^4 \cdot 3x^2 = 18x^{4+2} = 18x^6. \]

The correct option from your list is: Multiply 6 x 3 for the numbers; then add 2 + 4 for the exponent on x.