Question

Simplify, giving solution with positive index
$(-a^5)\left(a^2\right)$

Answer 1

Step: simplifying using laws of exponents

Given,$(-a^5)\left(a^2\right)$
It can be written as:
$(-1\times a^5)\times a^2$
On further calculation
$(-a^5)\left(a^2\right)=(-1)\times a^{5+2}$ [$\because a^m\times a^n=a^{m+n}$]
$=-1\times a^7$
$=-a^7$

Hence, $(-a^5)\left(a^2\right)=-a^7$.