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Algebra & Expressions

Multiplying Monomials

To multiply monomials: multiply the coefficients together and add the exponents of matching variables.

Multiply the numbers, add the exponents — two simple steps!

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Watch a clear, friendly video explanation of Multiplying Monomials:

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Worked Examples

Follow along with these step-by-step examples. Take your time — there's no rush!

1Example 1

Problem

Multiply: (3x²)(4x³)

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Multiply coefficients: 3 × 4 = 12.

2

Add exponents of x: x² × x³ = x⁵.

Answer

12x⁵

2Example 2

Problem

Multiply: (2x²y)(5xy³)

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Multiply coefficients: 2 × 5 = 10.

2

Add x exponents: x² × x¹ = x³.

3

Add y exponents: y¹ × y³ = y⁴.

Answer

10x³y⁴

3Example 3

Problem

Multiply: (−3a²)(4a)

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Multiply coefficients: −3 × 4 = −12.

2

Add exponents: a² × a¹ = a³.

Answer

−12a³

4Example 4

Problem

Multiply: (6x³)(−2x²)

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Multiply coefficients: 6 × (−2) = −12.

2

Add exponents: x³ × x² = x⁵.

Answer

−12x⁵

5Example 5

Problem

Multiply: (3x²y²)(4x³y)

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Multiply coefficients: 3 × 4 = 12.

2

Add x exponents: x² × x³ = x⁵.

3

Add y exponents: y² × y¹ = y³.

Answer

12x⁵y³

Your Turn — Practice Problems

Try all 5 problems on your own first. Write out your work — that's how it sticks!

💡 Tip: Don't peek at the answers until you've genuinely tried each one.

1

Multiply: (5x)(3x²)

2

Multiply: (2y³)(6y²)

3

Multiply: (4x²y)(3xy²)

4

Multiply: (−2a)(5a³)

5

Multiply: (7m²n)(2mn³)

6

Multiply: (3x)(3x)

7

Multiply: (−4y²)(−2y)

8

Multiply: (6a²b)(a³b²)

9

Multiply: (x)(x)(x)

10

Multiply: (−5x²)(2x³)

11

Multiply: (3p)(4q)

12

Multiply: (2x²y³)(5x²y)

Finished all 12? Give yourself a pat on the back — then check your work!

Keep going — you're on a roll!

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