Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: (2x^-3y^-2)^5/(6x^-1 y^-8)^2
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the algebraic expression: (2x^-3y^-2)^5/(6x^-1 y^-8)^2. Let's break down the steps involved.
Understanding the Rules
To simplify this expression, we'll use 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)
- Power of a Product: (x*y)^n = x^n * y^n
- Power of a Quotient: (x/y)^n = x^n / y^n
Step-by-Step Simplification
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Apply the Power of a Power rule:
- (2x^-3y^-2)^5 = 2^5 * x^(-35) * y^(-25) = 32x^-15y^-10
- (6x^-1y^-8)^2 = 6^2 * x^(-12) * y^(-82) = 36x^-2y^-16
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Substitute the simplified terms back into the original expression:
- (32x^-15y^-10) / (36x^-2y^-16)
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Apply the Quotient of Powers rule:
- 32/36 * x^(-15 - (-2)) * y^(-10 - (-16))
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Simplify the coefficients and exponents:
- (8/9) * x^-13 * y^6
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Rewrite negative exponents using the rule x^-n = 1/x^n:
- (8/9) * (1/x^13) * y^6
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Combine terms:
- 8y^6 / (9x^13)
Final Result
The simplified form of the expression (2x^-3y^-2)^5/(6x^-1 y^-8)^2 is 8y^6 / (9x^13).