Simplifying the Expression (64)^-2/3 x (1/4)^-2
This article will guide you through the steps of simplifying the expression (64)^-2/3 x (1/4)^-2.
Understanding the Properties of Exponents
To simplify this expression, we need to understand a few key properties of exponents:
- Negative Exponent: a^-n = 1/a^n
- Fractional Exponent: a^(m/n) = (a^(1/n))^m = (n√a)^m
- Product of Powers: a^m x a^n = a^(m+n)
Simplifying (64)^-2/3
- Apply the negative exponent property: (64)^-2/3 = 1/(64)^(2/3)
- Apply the fractional exponent property: 1/(64)^(2/3) = 1/(∛64)^2
- Calculate the cube root of 64: 1/(∛64)^2 = 1/(4)^2
- Simplify: 1/(4)^2 = 1/16
Simplifying (1/4)^-2
- Apply the negative exponent property: (1/4)^-2 = 1/((1/4)^2)
- Calculate the square of 1/4: 1/((1/4)^2) = 1/(1/16)
- Simplify by dividing by a fraction: 1/(1/16) = 16
Combining the Results
Now that we've simplified both parts of the expression, we can multiply them together:
(64)^-2/3 x (1/4)^-2 = (1/16) x 16 = 1
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression (64)^-2/3 x (1/4)^-2 is 1.