# Math Help - Simplify (4a^(3/2)) * (2a^1\2))

1. ## Simplify (4a^(3/2)) * (2a^1\2))

The question is: Simplify (4a^(3/2)) * (2a^1\2))

The answer the book gives is: 8a^2

My work includes:

1. (4a^(3/2)) * (2a^1\2))
2. (sqrt(4)^3) * (sqrt(a)^3) * sqrt(2) * sqrt(a)
3. (sqrt(4)^3) * (sqrt(a)^4 * sqrt(2)
4. 2^3 * a^2 * sqrt(2)
Thus: 8a^2 * sqrt(2)

Is the book wrong, or how do I get rid of that sqrt(2)?

Thanks

2. Nevermind, I went about this in completely the wrong way and figured it out.

(4 * 2) * (a^(3/2)+(1/2)) = 8a^2

3. Originally Posted by sstecken
I went about this in completely the wrong way and figured it out.
Are you SURE you don't want to rethink this sentence?

4. I went about it in completely the wrong way (first post) and figured it out (second post).

So to answer your question, no, I don't wish to rethink.

5. Hi ,

You can do this answer in simple way by using indices

(4a^3/2)*(2a1/2)

=4*2*a^4/2 here we are adding the powers since the bases are same

=8a^2

I hope this will find u in simple way