Simplifying (4ab^-5)^-2
This article will guide you through the process of simplifying the expression (4ab^-5)^-2.
Understanding the Rules
To simplify this expression, we need to utilize a few key rules of exponents:
- Product 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
Step-by-Step Simplification
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Distribute the exponent: Apply the power of a power rule to each term within the parentheses: (4ab^-5)^-2 = 4^-2 * a^-2 * (b^-5)^-2
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Simplify the exponents: Multiply the exponents together: 4^-2 * a^-2 * (b^-5)^-2 = 4^-2 * a^-2 * b^10
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Apply the negative exponent rule: Move terms with negative exponents to the denominator: 4^-2 * a^-2 * b^10 = (b^10) / (4^2 * a^2)
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Simplify the expression: Calculate the value of 4^2: (b^10) / (4^2 * a^2) = b^10 / 16a^2
Final Result
Therefore, the simplified expression of (4ab^-5)^-2 is b^10 / 16a^2.