To simplify this expression, 6x(4) ⋅ 3x(2)

which would be the correct steps?(1 point)
Responses

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

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.

1 answer

To simplify the expression \( 6x^4 \cdot 3x^2 \), you should follow these steps:

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

So, combining these results, the simplified expression is \( 18x^6 \).

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