Simplifying the Expression (2x³y²)^3
This article explores the simplification of the expression (2x³y²)^3. We'll delve into the process and the underlying mathematical concepts involved.
Understanding Exponents
Before we tackle the simplification, let's recap the fundamentals of exponents:
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Exponent: An exponent indicates how many times a base number is multiplied by itself. For instance, in the expression x², the base is 'x', and the exponent is '2', meaning x is multiplied by itself twice (x * x).
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Power of a Power: When raising a power to another power, we multiply the exponents. For example, (x²)³ = x^(2*3) = x⁶.
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Power of a Product: When a product is raised to a power, we apply the power to each factor within the product. For example, (ab)² = a²b².
Simplifying (2x³y²)^3
Now, let's apply these concepts to simplify (2x³y²)^3:
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Distribute the exponent: We apply the exponent '3' to each factor within the parentheses. (2x³y²)^3 = 2³ (x³)^3 (y²)^3
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Simplify each term:
- 2³ = 2 * 2 * 2 = 8
- (x³)^3 = x^(3*3) = x⁹
- (y²)^3 = y^(2*3) = y⁶
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Combine the simplified terms: 8 * x⁹ * y⁶ = 8x⁹y⁶
Therefore, the simplified form of (2x³y²)^3 is 8x⁹y⁶.