(18x^5yz)/(6xyz^4)

2 min read Jun 16, 2024
(18x^5yz)/(6xyz^4)

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

  1. Divide the coefficients:

    • 18 divided by 6 equals 3.
  2. 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).
  3. Combine the simplified terms:

    • The simplified expression becomes 3x^4 * 1 * z^(-3).
  4. Express negative exponents in the denominator:

    • z^(-3) is equivalent to 1/z^3.
  5. 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.

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