(2u^4/4uv^-5)^-3

2 min read Jun 16, 2024
(2u^4/4uv^-5)^-3

Simplifying Expressions with Negative Exponents

This article will guide you through simplifying the expression (2u^4/4uv^-5)^-3.

Understanding the Rules

To simplify this expression, we need to utilize the following rules of exponents:

  • Product of powers: x^m * x^n = x^(m+n)
  • Quotient of powers: x^m / x^n = x^(m-n)
  • Power of a power: (x^m)^n = x^(m*n)
  • Negative exponent: x^-n = 1/x^n

Step-by-Step Simplification

  1. Distribute the negative exponent: (2u^4/4uv^-5)^-3 = 1 / (2u^4/4uv^-5)^3

  2. Apply the power of a power rule: 1 / (2u^4/4uv^-5)^3 = 1 / (2^3 u^(43) / 4^3 u^3 v^(-53))

  3. Simplify the exponents: 1 / (2^3 u^(43) / 4^3 u^3 v^(-53)) = 1 / (8u^12 / 64u^3 v^-15)

  4. Simplify the coefficients: 1 / (8u^12 / 64u^3 v^-15) = 1 / (u^12 / 8u^3 v^-15)

  5. Apply the quotient of powers rule: 1 / (u^12 / 8u^3 v^-15) = 8u^3 v^-15 / u^12

  6. Apply the quotient of powers rule again: 8u^3 v^-15 / u^12 = 8u^(3-12) v^-15 = 8u^-9 v^-15

  7. Apply the negative exponent rule: 8u^-9 v^-15 = 8 / (u^9 v^15)

Final Result

Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (2u^4/4uv^-5)^-3 is 8 / (u^9 v^15).

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