Simplifying Expressions with Exponents
This article will guide you through simplifying the expression (-2v^7)^3 (-4v^2)^4.
Understanding the Rules of Exponents
Before we dive into the simplification, let's refresh our memory on some key exponent rules:
- Product of Powers: x^m * x^n = x^(m+n)
- Power of a Product: (xy)^n = x^n * y^n
- Power of a Power: (x^m)^n = x^(m*n)
Simplifying the Expression
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Apply the Power of a Product Rule:
- (-2v^7)^3 = (-2)^3 * (v^7)^3
- (-4v^2)^4 = (-4)^4 * (v^2)^4
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Apply the Power of a Power Rule:
- (-2)^3 * (v^7)^3 = -8 * v^(7*3) = -8v^21
- (-4)^4 * (v^2)^4 = 256 * v^(2*4) = 256v^8
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Multiply the simplified terms:
- -8v^21 * 256v^8 = -2048v^(21+8) = -2048v^29
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (-2v^7)^3 (-4v^2)^4 is -2048v^29. Remember to carefully apply the exponent rules to arrive at the correct answer.