As with numeric powers, `a xx a = a^2`, with the small 2 meaning that `a` has been multiplied by itself.
Multiplying `a^2` by `a` is the same as `a xx a xx a`, which is written as `a^3`.
Like terms are multiplied together. `a^2b^2 x ab^2` is the same as
`a xx a xx b xx b` x `a xx b xx b`
= `a xx a xx a xx b xx b xx b xx b`
= `a^3b^4`
Simplify `a xx a^2`
`a xx a^2 = a xx a xx a = a^3`
Answer: `a^3`
Multiply `ab^3` by `a^2b`
`ab^3` x `a^2b`
= `a xx b xx b xx b xx a xx a xx b`
= `a^3b^4`
Answer: `a^3b^4`
See also Integer Powers and Roots