Question

Simplify the expression using properties of exponents. -16a-3b-5 2a-4b2

Answer 1

$a^n\cdot a^m=a^{n+m}\\\\-16a^{-3}b^{-5}\cdot2a^{-4}b^2=(-16\cdot2)(a^{-3}a^{-4})(b^{-5}b^2})\\\\=-32a^{-3+(-4)}b^{-5+2}=\boxed{-32a^{-7}b^{-3}}$