Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: (-4a^2b)(-3a^7b)/6a^7b^2
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the algebraic expression (-4a^2b)(-3a^7b)/6a^7b^2.
Understanding the Expression
The expression involves multiplication and division of terms with variables and exponents. Let's break it down:
- Numerator: We have (-4a^2b)(-3a^7b) which represents the product of two binomials.
- Denominator: We have 6a^7b^2 which is a single term.
Simplifying the Expression
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Multiplication in the Numerator:
- Multiply the coefficients: (-4) * (-3) = 12
- Multiply the variables: a^2 * a^7 = a^(2+7) = a^9, and b * b = b^2.
- The numerator becomes 12a^9b^2.
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Combining Numerator and Denominator:
- We have (12a^9b^2) / (6a^7b^2)
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Dividing Variables with Exponents:
- Divide the coefficients: 12 / 6 = 2
- Divide the variables with exponents: a^9 / a^7 = a^(9-7) = a^2, and b^2 / b^2 = b^(2-2) = b^0 = 1.
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Final Result:
- The simplified expression is 2a^2.
Conclusion
By applying the rules of multiplication and division of exponents, we have successfully simplified the expression (-4a^2b)(-3a^7b)/6a^7b^2 to 2a^2. Remember, when dividing variables with exponents, we subtract the powers of the same base.