Simplifying the Expression: (3a^-4/2b^-3)^-2 * 10a^7b^3
This problem involves simplifying an expression with exponents and fractions. Let's break it down step-by-step:
Understanding the Rules
Before we start, let's recall the key 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
Simplifying the Expression
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Simplify the Inner Parenthesis:
(3a^-4/2b^-3)^-2 = (3/2 * a^-4 * b^3)^-2
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Apply Power of a Power Rule:
(3/2 * a^-4 * b^3)^-2 = (3/2)^-2 * (a^-4)^-2 * (b^3)^-2 = (2/3)^2 * a^8 * b^-6
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Simplify the Numerator:
(2/3)^2 * a^8 * b^-6 = 4/9 * a^8 * b^-6
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Combine with the Remaining Term:
(4/9 * a^8 * b^-6) * 10a^7b^3 = (4/9 * 10) * a^8 * a^7 * b^-6 * b^3
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Apply Product of Powers Rule:
(40/9) * a^(8+7) * b^(-6+3) = (40/9) * a^15 * b^-3
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Apply Negative Exponent Rule:
(40/9) * a^15 * b^-3 = (40/9) * a^15 * (1/b^3)
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Final Simplified Expression:
40a^15 / 9b^3
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (3a^-4/2b^-3)^-2 * 10a^7b^3 is 40a^15 / 9b^3. By applying the rules of exponents step-by-step, we successfully simplified the expression.