Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression, and eliminate any negative exponents

Simplify the expression, and eliminate any negative exponents: (3a^4b^{-2})^3(a^8b^{-1})

Solution

The given expression is:

(3a4b2)3(a8b1)\left(3a^4b^{-2}\right)^3 \left(a^8b^{-1}\right)

Let's simplify this step by step:

Step 1: Expand the powers

We need to distribute the exponent 33 across all terms inside the first set of parentheses:

(3a4b2)3=33a43b23=27a12b6\left(3a^4b^{-2}\right)^3 = 3^3 \cdot a^{4 \cdot 3} \cdot b^{-2 \cdot 3} = 27a^{12}b^{-6}

So, the expression becomes:

27a12b6a8b127a^{12}b^{-6} \cdot a^8b^{-1}

Step 2: Combine like terms

Now, combine the powers of aa and bb:

For aa: a12a8=a12+8=a20a^{12} \cdot a^8 = a^{12 + 8} = a^{20}

For bb: b6b1=b6+(1)=b7b^{-6} \cdot b^{-1} = b^{-6 + (-1)} = b^{-7}

Step 3: Eliminate negative exponents

To eliminate the negative exponent, rewrite b7b^{-7} as 1b7\frac{1}{b^7}:

27a20b7=27a20b727a^{20}b^{-7} = \frac{27a^{20}}{b^7}

Final Answer:

27a20b7\frac{27a^{20}}{b^7}

Let me know if you'd like further details or have any other questions!


Here are 5 related questions for practice:

  1. How would you simplify (2x5y3)4(x2y6)(2x^5y^{-3})^4(x^2y^6)?
  2. What happens if the exponent outside the parentheses is negative?
  3. Can you apply this process to an expression with more variables, such as (xy2z3)2(x2z1)(xy^{-2}z^3)^2(x^2z^{-1})?
  4. How do you handle fractional exponents in expressions like this?
  5. How do negative exponents affect the overall fraction?

Tip: Always combine like terms by adding their exponents, and remember to convert negative exponents to positive by moving them to the denominator or numerator.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Exponentiation
Negative Exponents
Simplification

Formulas

Distributive Property of Exponents: (xy)^n = x^n * y^n
Multiplying Powers: a^m * a^n = a^{m+n}
Negative Exponent Rule: a^{-n} = 1/a^n

Theorems

Exponent Rules
Laws of Exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10