Simplifying the Expression: (-6x^4y^6)^2/(-4x^-3y^5)^3
This problem involves simplifying an expression with exponents and negative exponents. Let's break down the steps:
Understanding the Rules of Exponents
- Power of a product: (ab)^n = a^n * b^n
- Power of a quotient: (a/b)^n = a^n / b^n
- Negative exponents: a^-n = 1/a^n
- Product of powers: a^m * a^n = a^(m+n)
- Quotient of powers: a^m / a^n = a^(m-n)
Simplifying the Expression
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Apply the power of a product rule to both numerator and denominator: (-6x^4y^6)^2 = (-6)^2 * (x^4)^2 * (y^6)^2 = 36x^8y^12 (-4x^-3y^5)^3 = (-4)^3 * (x^-3)^3 * (y^5)^3 = -64x^-9y^15
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Apply the power of a quotient rule: (36x^8y^12) / (-64x^-9y^15)
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Simplify by applying the quotient of powers rule: 36/(-64) * x^(8-(-9)) * y^(12-15) = -9/16 * x^17 * y^-3
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Apply the negative exponent rule to y^-3: -9/16 * x^17 * 1/y^3
Final Result
The simplified form of the expression (-6x^4y^6)^2/(-4x^-3y^5)^3 is -9x^17 / (16y^3).