Math Problem Statement

Ms. Curry asked her students to simplify the following expression: \(\frac{3x^{14}y^{11}}{18x^2}\). Which of the following expressions is equivalent?

Solution

To simplify the given expression:

3x14y1118x2\frac{3x^{14}y^{11}}{18x^2}

we can follow these steps:

Step 1: Simplify the Coefficients

The coefficient in the numerator is 33 and in the denominator is 1818. Simplifying 318\frac{3}{18} gives us 16\frac{1}{6}.

So the expression becomes: x14y116x2\frac{x^{14}y^{11}}{6x^2}

Step 2: Simplify the Variables

For the xx-terms, we have x14x^{14} in the numerator and x2x^2 in the denominator. Using the property of exponents xaxb=xab\frac{x^a}{x^b} = x^{a - b}, we get: x142=x12x^{14 - 2} = x^{12}

This gives us: x12y116\frac{x^{12}y^{11}}{6}

Final Expression

The simplified expression is: x12y116\frac{x^{12}y^{11}}{6}

Answer

The correct choice is D: x12y116\frac{x^{12}y^{11}}{6}.


Would you like further explanation on any part? Here are some related questions for practice:

  1. How would you simplify 5x10y815x3y2\frac{5x^{10}y^{8}}{15x^3y^2}?
  2. What is the result of 6x15y59x4y2\frac{6x^{15}y^5}{9x^4y^2}?
  3. How do you simplify an expression where both the numerator and denominator have terms with negative exponents?
  4. How would you approach simplifying 4x20y188x5y8\frac{4x^{20}y^{18}}{8x^5y^8}?
  5. Can you explain the rule xaxb=xab\frac{x^a}{x^b} = x^{a-b} and why it works?

Tip: Always simplify coefficients first, then handle the variable terms separately for a clear and systematic approach.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Simplifying Expressions
Exponent Rules

Formulas

\( \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m - n} \)

Theorems

Exponent Rules

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9