Math Problem Statement

Simplify the following expression: ((x^5) / (6x))^(-2) / (x^4 * y^2 / (y-6)^3)

Solution

The problem in the image asks to simplify the following expression:

(x56x)2(x4y2(y6)3)\frac{\left(\frac{x^5}{6x}\right)^{-2}}{\left(\frac{x^4 y^2}{(y-6)^3}\right)}

Step-by-step simplification:

  1. Simplify the numerator inside the first fraction: x56x=x5x1=x51=x4\frac{x^5}{6x} = \frac{x^5}{x^1} = x^{5-1} = x^4 So the expression becomes: (x4)2(x4y2(y6)3)\frac{\left(x^4\right)^{-2}}{\left(\frac{x^4 y^2}{(y-6)^3}\right)}

  2. Apply the exponent on x4x^4: (x4)2=x4(2)=x8(x^4)^{-2} = x^{4 \cdot (-2)} = x^{-8} So now the expression becomes: x8x4y2(y6)3\frac{x^{-8}}{\frac{x^4 y^2}{(y-6)^3}}

  3. Rewrite the complex fraction: x8x4y2(y6)3=x8(y6)3x4y2\frac{x^{-8}}{\frac{x^4 y^2}{(y-6)^3}} = x^{-8} \cdot \frac{(y-6)^3}{x^4 y^2}

  4. Simplify the powers of xx: x8(y6)3x4y2=(y6)3x8+4y2=(y6)3x12y2x^{-8} \cdot \frac{(y-6)^3}{x^4 y^2} = \frac{(y-6)^3}{x^{8+4} y^2} = \frac{(y-6)^3}{x^{12} y^2}

So the simplified expression is:

(y6)3x12y2\boxed{\frac{(y-6)^3}{x^{12} y^2}}

Would you like further clarification on any of the steps or more details?

Here are five related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How do you handle exponents in fractions when simplifying?
  2. What are the rules for dealing with negative exponents?
  3. How does multiplying powers of the same base work?
  4. Can you apply these techniques to simplify radical expressions?
  5. How would the expression change if we added terms inside the parentheses?

Tip: Always simplify fractions and exponents step by step to avoid mistakes, especially when dealing with complex expressions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Exponentiation
Fraction Simplification

Formulas

Power of a quotient: (a/b)^n = a^n / b^n
Product of powers: x^a * x^b = x^(a + b)
Power of a power: (x^a)^b = x^(a * b)
Negative exponent: x^(-a) = 1 / x^a

Theorems

Exponent Rules
Fraction Simplification Theorems

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12