Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: (18x^5yz) / (6xyz^4)
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the algebraic expression (18x^5yz) / (6xyz^4).
Understanding the Basics
Before we start, let's review some key concepts:
- Variables: Letters representing unknown values (e.g., x, y, z).
- Coefficients: Numbers multiplying variables (e.g., 18, 6).
- Exponents: Numbers indicating how many times a base is multiplied by itself (e.g., x^5 means x multiplied by itself five times).
Simplifying the Expression
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Divide the coefficients:
- 18 divided by 6 equals 3.
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Simplify the variables:
- x: x^5 divided by x equals x^(5-1) = x^4.
- y: y divided by y equals y^(1-1) = y^0 = 1. (Any number raised to the power of 0 equals 1).
- z: z divided by z^4 equals z^(1-4) = z^(-3).
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Combine the simplified terms:
- The simplified expression becomes 3x^4 * 1 * z^(-3).
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Express negative exponents in the denominator:
- z^(-3) is equivalent to 1/z^3.
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Final simplified expression:
- The final simplified form of (18x^5yz) / (6xyz^4) is 3x^4 / z^3.
Key Points to Remember
- When dividing terms with the same base, subtract their exponents.
- Any number raised to the power of 0 equals 1.
- Negative exponents can be rewritten as their reciprocal with a positive exponent.
By following these steps, you can simplify complex algebraic expressions like (18x^5yz) / (6xyz^4) with ease.