Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression (x^-4 * y^2) / (x^-6 * y^5).

Solution

The expression in the image is:

x4y2x6y5\frac{x^{-4} y^2}{x^{-6} y^5}

Let's simplify this step by step.

Step 1: Simplify the powers of xx

Using the rule of exponents aman=amn\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}, we can simplify the xx-terms:

x4x6=x4(6)=x4+6=x2\frac{x^{-4}}{x^{-6}} = x^{-4 - (-6)} = x^{-4 + 6} = x^2

Step 2: Simplify the powers of yy

Similarly, for the yy-terms:

y2y5=y25=y3\frac{y^2}{y^5} = y^{2 - 5} = y^{-3}

Step 3: Combine the results

After simplifying both the xx- and yy-terms, the expression becomes:

x2y3x^2 y^{-3}

This is the simplified form of the given expression. Alternatively, we can write the y3y^{-3} term as a fraction:

x2y3\frac{x^2}{y^3}

Would you like more details on any of the steps, or have any other questions?


Here are five related questions you might find useful:

  1. How do you simplify expressions with more complex exponents?
  2. What are the rules for negative exponents?
  3. How would you simplify an expression with three variables, such as x3y4z2x^{-3}y^4z^{-2}?
  4. How do fractional exponents work in simplification?
  5. What is the process for simplifying radical expressions?

Tip: When working with exponents, always remember the basic exponent rules: am×an=am+na^m \times a^n = a^{m+n} and aman=amn\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponents
Simplification
Algebra

Formulas

(a^m)/(a^n) = a^(m-n)
Negative exponent rule: a^-n = 1/a^n

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10