Simplifying Algebraic Expressions: (9x^5y^6)(4xy)/6x^2y^4
This article will guide you through simplifying the algebraic expression (9x^5y^6)(4xy)/6x^2y^4. We'll break down the process step by step to help you understand the concepts involved.
Understanding the Basics
Before we delve into the simplification, let's review a few key rules of exponents:
- Multiplication of exponents with the same base: When multiplying exponents with the same base, add the powers. For example: x^m * x^n = x^(m+n)
- Division of exponents with the same base: When dividing exponents with the same base, subtract the powers. For example: x^m / x^n = x^(m-n)
Simplifying the Expression
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Multiply the coefficients: Start by multiplying the coefficients in the numerator: (9 * 4) = 36.
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Combine the x terms: Apply the rule for multiplying exponents with the same base: x^5 * x * x = x^(5+1+1) = x^7.
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Combine the y terms: Similarly, apply the rule for multiplying exponents with the same base: y^6 * y * y = y^(6+1+1) = y^8.
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Simplify the denominator: Apply the rule for dividing exponents with the same base: x^7 / x^2 = x^(7-2) = x^5.
- Similarly, y^8 / y^4 = y^(8-4) = y^4.
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Combine the simplified terms: Now we have: (36x^7y^8) / (6x^2y^4)
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Final simplification: Divide the coefficient in the numerator by the coefficient in the denominator: 36/6 = 6.
- This gives us: 6x^5y^4
The Simplified Expression
Therefore, the simplified form of (9x^5y^6)(4xy)/6x^2y^4 is 6x^5y^4.