Simplifying Expressions with Exponents
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the expression (3d^-4n^5)^-3 / 12d^3n^4. We will use the rules of exponents to break down the problem step by step.
Understanding the Rules of Exponents
Before we begin, let's review some 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)
- Power of a Product: (x*y)^n = x^n * y^n
- Negative Exponent: x^-n = 1/x^n
Simplifying the Expression
Let's break down the simplification step by step:
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Simplify the numerator:
(3d^-4n^5)^-3 = 3^-3 * (d^-4)^-3 * (n^5)^-3
Applying the power of a power rule, we get:
= 3^-3 * d^12 * n^-15
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Apply the negative exponent rule to the numerator:
= 1/3^3 * d^12 * 1/n^15
= d^12 / (3^3 * n^15)
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Combine the numerator and denominator:
= d^12 / (27n^15)
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Simplify the denominator:
= d^12 / (27n^15)
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Simplify the entire expression:
(3d^-4n^5)^-3 / 12d^3n^4 = (d^12 / (27n^15)) / (12d^3n^4)
Applying the quotient of powers rule, we get:
= d^(12-3) / (27 * 12 * n^(15+4))
= d^9 / (324n^19)
Conclusion
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (3d^-4n^5)^-3 / 12d^3n^4 is d^9 / (324n^19). This process illustrates how understanding the rules of exponents allows us to simplify complex expressions into a more manageable form.