Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression \left( \frac{a^2 b^{-\frac{1}{3}}}{a^{-\frac{2}{3}} b^{\frac{3}{4}}} \right)^3

Solution

The expression you've provided is as follows:

(a2b13a23b34)3\left( \frac{a^2 b^{-\frac{1}{3}}}{a^{-\frac{2}{3}} b^{\frac{3}{4}}} \right)^3

Steps to simplify:

  1. Simplify the expression inside the parentheses: a2b13a23b34\frac{a^2 b^{-\frac{1}{3}}}{a^{-\frac{2}{3}} b^{\frac{3}{4}}}

    • For the powers of aa: a2÷a23=a2(23)=a2+23=a83a^2 \div a^{-\frac{2}{3}} = a^{2 - \left(-\frac{2}{3}\right)} = a^{2 + \frac{2}{3}} = a^{\frac{8}{3}}
    • For the powers of bb: b13÷b34=b1334=b13912=b412912=b1312b^{-\frac{1}{3}} \div b^{\frac{3}{4}} = b^{-\frac{1}{3} - \frac{3}{4}} = b^{-\frac{1}{3} - \frac{9}{12}} = b^{-\frac{4}{12} - \frac{9}{12}} = b^{-\frac{13}{12}}

    So the expression becomes: a83b1312a^{\frac{8}{3}} b^{-\frac{13}{12}}

  2. Apply the cube exponent to the entire expression: (a83b1312)3\left( a^{\frac{8}{3}} b^{-\frac{13}{12}} \right)^3

    • For aa: (a83)3=a83×3=a8\left( a^{\frac{8}{3}} \right)^3 = a^{\frac{8}{3} \times 3} = a^8
    • For bb: (b1312)3=b1312×3=b3912=b134\left( b^{-\frac{13}{12}} \right)^3 = b^{-\frac{13}{12} \times 3} = b^{-\frac{39}{12}} = b^{-\frac{13}{4}}

Thus, the final simplified expression is:

a8b134a^8 b^{-\frac{13}{4}}

Would you like any more details or explanations?

Related Questions:

  1. How do you simplify expressions with exponents involving division?
  2. What are the rules for multiplying and dividing powers of the same base?
  3. How do you simplify fractional exponents?
  4. What happens when a power is raised to another power?
  5. How can negative exponents be interpreted in terms of fractions?

Tip:

When simplifying exponents, always apply the rules of exponents carefully (addition for multiplication, subtraction for division, and multiplication for powers of powers).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponents
Algebraic simplification
Negative exponents

Formulas

Exponent addition and subtraction: x^a / x^b = x^{a-b}
Exponent multiplication: (x^a)^b = x^{a*b}

Theorems

Laws of exponents
Power of a quotient rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12