Math Problem Statement

Simplify. (Assume that a and b are both nonzero.)

(6a^(3)b^(−2))/(27a^(−2)b^(−4))^-3

Solution

Let's simplify the given expression step by step.

The expression is:

(6a3b227a2b4)3\left(\frac{6a^3b^{-2}}{27a^{-2}b^{-4}}\right)^{-3}

Step 1: Simplify the expression inside the parentheses.

First, divide the coefficients and apply the laws of exponents.

6a3b227a2b4=627a3a2b2b4\frac{6a^3b^{-2}}{27a^{-2}b^{-4}} = \frac{6}{27} \cdot \frac{a^3}{a^{-2}} \cdot \frac{b^{-2}}{b^{-4}}

Now, simplify each part:

  1. Coefficients: 627=29\frac{6}{27} = \frac{2}{9}

  2. For aa: a3a2=a3(2)=a3+2=a5\frac{a^3}{a^{-2}} = a^{3 - (-2)} = a^{3 + 2} = a^5

  3. For bb: b2b4=b2(4)=b2+4=b2\frac{b^{-2}}{b^{-4}} = b^{-2 - (-4)} = b^{-2 + 4} = b^2

So, the expression inside the parentheses simplifies to:

29a5b2=2a5b29\frac{2}{9} \cdot a^5 \cdot b^2 = \frac{2a^5b^2}{9}

Step 2: Apply the exponent 3-3 to the simplified expression.

(2a5b29)3=93(2a5b2)3\left(\frac{2a^5b^2}{9}\right)^{-3} = \frac{9^3}{(2a^5b^2)^3}

Now calculate each part:

  1. For the coefficient: 9323=7298\frac{9^3}{2^3} = \frac{729}{8}

  2. For a5a^5: (a5)3=a15(a^5)^3 = a^{15}

  3. For b2b^2: (b2)3=b6(b^2)^3 = b^6

So, the expression becomes:

72981a15b6=7298a15b6\frac{729}{8} \cdot \frac{1}{a^{15}b^6} = \frac{729}{8a^{15}b^6}

Final Answer:

7298a15b6\boxed{\frac{729}{8a^{15}b^6}}

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions you could explore:

  1. What are the properties of exponents?
  2. How does the order of operations affect simplifying expressions?
  3. How do you handle negative exponents in expressions?
  4. What is the process for simplifying complex fractions?
  5. How do you apply the distributive property with exponents?

Tip: Always simplify the expression inside parentheses before applying any external exponents!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponents
Fractional Exponents
Laws of Exponents

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12