Simplifying the Expression: (2x⁸)(3x⁻¹)²
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the expression (2x⁸)(3x⁻¹)².
Understanding the Rules
Before we begin, let's recall the following rules of exponents:
- Product of powers: xᵃ * xᵇ = xᵃ⁺ᵇ
- Power of a product: (xy)ᵃ = xᵃ * yᵃ
- Power of a power: (xᵃ)ᵇ = xᵃ*ᵇ
Simplifying the Expression
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Simplify the second term: (3x⁻¹)² = 3² * (x⁻¹)² = 9 * x⁻²
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Rewrite the expression: (2x⁸)(9x⁻²)
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Multiply the coefficients: 2 * 9 = 18
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Combine the x terms using the product of powers rule: x⁸ * x⁻² = x⁸⁻² = x⁶
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Final simplified expression: 18x⁶
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified expression of (2x⁸)(3x⁻¹)² is 18x⁶. By applying the rules of exponents, we can efficiently manipulate and simplify expressions involving powers.