As with numeric powers, a×a=a2, with the small 2 meaning that a has been multiplied by itself.
Multiplying a2 by a is the same as a×a×a, which is written as a3.
Like terms are multiplied together. a2b2xab2 is the same as
a×a×b×b x a×b×b
= a×a×a×b×b×b×b
= a3b4
Simplify a×a2
a×a2=a×a×a=a3
Answer: a3
Multiply ab3 by a2b
ab3 x a2b
= a×b×b×b×a×a×b
= a3b4
Answer: a3b4
See also Integer Powers and Roots