Question

Multiply and simplify. $$\left(2 m^{2} n\right)(m n)\left(3 m n^{2}\right)$$

Short answer

The simplified expression is 6m^{4}n^{4}.

Step-by-step solution

Multiply the Coefficients

First, multiply the numerical coefficients (constants) of all terms. In this case, multiply 2 by 3 to get 6.

Multiply the Variables with the Same Base

Then multiply the variables by adding their exponents. For the variable 'm', add the exponents 2, 1, and 1. For the variable 'n', add the exponents 1, 1, and 2.

Write the Simplified Expression

Combine the result from step 1 and step 2 to get the simplified expression. The resulting expression will have the coefficient multiplied with the variables 'm' and 'n' with their respective exponents summed.

Key concepts

Coefficients Multiplication

When multiplying algebraic expressions, it is essential to start by focusing on the numerical factors before dealing with the variables. These numerical factors are called coefficients. The process is quite straightforward: just multiply the numbers as you would do in basic arithmetic.

For instance, in the exercise \(2 m^{2} n)(m n)(3 m n^{2})\), you have the coefficients 2 and 3. Multiplying them together, 2 times 3, you get 6. This number, 6, will act as the coefficient for the variables that will be combined in later steps. One critical reason for starting with coefficient multiplication is to avoid confusion when simplifying and to ensure that all numerical values are accounted for before dealing with variables and exponents.

Variable Exponents

Working with variables includes understanding how to handle exponents. When variables having the same base are multiplied, their exponents should be added together rather than multiplied. This rule is a fundamental principle of exponents in algebra.

As an example, looking back at our exercise, we have the variable 'm' with exponents 2, 1, and 1 across the different terms, and the variable 'n' with exponents 1, 1, and 2. To combine them, simply add the exponents for each variable separately: for 'm', sum up 2 + 1 + 1 to get 4, and for 'n', add 1 + 1 + 2 to receive 4 as well. The resulting expression for the variables will be \(m^{4}n^{4}\), which is achieved by applying the rules of exponents correctly.

Simplifying Expressions

The ultimate goal in multiplying algebraic expressions is to simplify them into the most reduced form possible. After addressing coefficients and variables separately, the final expression is constructed by marrying the two results together.

By combining our previous findings, the coefficient 6 from the coefficients multiplication and the variables with their new exponents, \(m^{4}n^{4}\), we can write the final simplified expression as \(6m^{4}n^{4}\). This expression is simplified as it cannot be reduced any further. To maintain clarity and accuracy while simplifying expressions, always multiply coefficients first, then address the variables and their exponents. Through systematic steps, this approach prevents errors, and ensures a clear path to a solution.