To simplify this expression, 6x^4 x 3x^2 which would be the correct steps?

Question

A. You cannot simplify this expression because these are not like terms.
B. Add 6 + 3 for the numbers; then multiply 2 x 4 to get the exponent for x
C. Multiply 6 x 3 for the numbers; then multiply 2 x 4 for the exponent on x
D. Multiply 6 x 3 for the numbers; then add then add 2 + 4 for the exponent on x.

Answer 1

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

1. Multiply the coefficients (the numerical parts): \( 6 \times 3 = 18 \).
2. Combine the exponents of \( x \): Since you are multiplying \( x^4 \) and \( x^2 \), you add the exponents: \( 4 + 2 = 6 \).

So the simplified expression would be \( 18x^6 \).

The correct choice that outlines these steps is:

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