Simplifying (4a)^3 / a^5
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the algebraic expression (4a)^3 / a^5.
Understanding the Expression
- (4a)^3: This represents the cube of the entire term (4a), meaning it is multiplied by itself three times: (4a) * (4a) * (4a).
- a^5: This represents 'a' multiplied by itself five times: a * a * a * a * a.
- Division: The entire expression is a division problem where (4a)^3 is the numerator and a^5 is the denominator.
Simplifying the Expression
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Simplify the numerator:
- (4a)^3 = (4a) * (4a) * (4a) = 64a^3
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Rewrite the expression:
- The expression now becomes 64a^3 / a^5
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Apply the rule of exponents for division:
- When dividing exponents with the same base, subtract the powers.
- 64a^(3-5) = 64a^(-2)
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Convert negative exponents to positive exponents:
- a^(-2) = 1/a^2
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Combine the terms:
- 64a^(-2) = 64 * (1/a^2) = 64/a^2
Final Result
The simplified form of the expression (4a)^3 / a^5 is 64/a^2.