# Thread: Help With Simple Expression

1. ## Help With Simple Expression

(2a^2x)^2

When a = 2 and x = 3

The book states the answer as 576, but I can't see how that figure derived.

Thank you!

2. ## Re: Help With Simple Expression

Hello, MathClown!

Exactly where is your difficulty?

$\text{Evaluate: }\:(2a^2x)^2 \;\text{ when }a = 2\text{ and }x = 3.$

We have: . $\left(2\cdot 2^2\cdot 3\right)^2 \;=\;(2\cdot4\cdot3)^2 \;=\;(24)^2 \;=\;576$

3. ## Re: Help With Simple Expression

Always remember the order of operations: PEDMAS ...Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, and last of all Addition/Subtraction.
So in the equation (2a^2x)^2 ....we look to the parenthesis 1st ...(2*2^2*3)....
exponents come next -->(2*4*3)=24 ,
then 24^2=576.

4. ## Re: Help With Simple Expression

Originally Posted by MathClown
(2a^2x)^2

When a = 2 and x = 3

The book states the answer as 576, but I can't see how that figure derived.

Thank you!
Is your expression \displaystyle \begin{align*} \left( 2a^2x \right)^2 \end{align*} or \displaystyle \begin{align*} \left( 2a^{2x} \right)^2 \end{align*}?