# (3p^-3 q^-1)^2 x (-4p^3 q^-2)^2 = ?

1. Jan 18, 2012

### Mphisto

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
(3p^-3 q^-1)^2 x (-4p^3 q^-2)^2 = ?
Leave answer in positive indices

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
(3p^-3 q^-1)^2 x (-4p^3 q^-2)^2 = (9p^-6 q^-2)(16p^6 q^-4)
= 144q^-6
= 144/q^6

Is my answer correct or I am missing a concept? Thank you for taking the time to read.

2. Jan 18, 2012

### Bread18

Is this what you need to simplify?

$$(3p^{-3}q^{-1})^2(-4p^3q^{-2})^2$$

3. Jan 18, 2012

### Mphisto

Yeah, sorry. I don't know how to use that tex thingy

4. Jan 18, 2012

### Joffan

looks good Mphisto.

The question actually multiplies two squared expressions together, so if you wanted to you could take everything under a common squaring operation to simplify and square at the end. But your working is fine too.

5. Jan 18, 2012

### Bread18

Then that looks good!

6. Jan 18, 2012

### Mphisto

Thanks for taking the time to check my answer, thank you! =)

Know someone interested in this topic? Share this thread via Reddit, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook