Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression \( \left( \frac{-3x^2 y^5}{2y^2 x^7} \right)^3 \).

Solution

The expression provided is:

(3x2y52y2x7)3\left( \frac{-3x^2 y^5}{2y^2 x^7} \right)^3

To simplify this expression, we’ll proceed in steps:

Step 1: Simplify Inside the Parentheses

Inside the parentheses, we have:

3x2y52y2x7\frac{-3x^2 y^5}{2y^2 x^7}

Let's handle the coefficients and variables separately:

  1. Coefficient: The coefficient is 32\frac{-3}{2}.
  2. Variable xx: The powers of xx in the numerator and denominator are x2x^2 and x7x^7, respectively. Using the rule xaxb=xab\frac{x^a}{x^b} = x^{a - b}: x2x7=x27=x5\frac{x^2}{x^7} = x^{2 - 7} = x^{-5}
  3. Variable yy: The powers of yy in the numerator and denominator are y5y^5 and y2y^2, respectively: y5y2=y52=y3\frac{y^5}{y^2} = y^{5 - 2} = y^3

So, the expression inside the parentheses simplifies to:

3x2y52y2x7=32x5y3\frac{-3x^2 y^5}{2y^2 x^7} = -\frac{3}{2} x^{-5} y^3

Step 2: Apply the Exponent Outside the Parentheses

Now we have:

(32x5y3)3\left( -\frac{3}{2} x^{-5} y^3 \right)^3

Using the property (abc)n=anbncn(a \cdot b \cdot c)^n = a^n \cdot b^n \cdot c^n, we raise each part to the power of 3:

  1. Coefficient: (32)3=278\left(-\frac{3}{2}\right)^3 = -\frac{27}{8}
  2. Variable xx: (x5)3=x15(x^{-5})^3 = x^{-15}
  3. Variable yy: (y3)3=y9(y^3)^3 = y^9

Combining these, we get:

278x15y9-\frac{27}{8} x^{-15} y^9

Final Answer

278x15y9-\frac{27}{8} x^{-15} y^9

Would you like further clarification on any step, or do you have additional questions?

Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. How do you simplify expressions with negative exponents?
  2. What is the rule for raising a fraction to a power?
  3. How do we handle exponents when variables are in both the numerator and denominator?
  4. What happens to the sign when an expression with a negative base is raised to an odd power?
  5. How does simplifying complex fractions with variables differ from working with only numbers?

Tip: Remember, when raising an entire fraction to an exponent, apply the exponent to each part of the fraction separately for easier calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponentiation
Simplification of Algebraic Fractions
Laws of Exponents

Formulas

Power of a quotient: \( \left( \frac{a}{b} \right)^n = \frac{a^n}{b^n} \)
Power of a product: \( (a \cdot b)^n = a^n \cdot b^n \)
Quotient rule for exponents: \( \frac{x^a}{x^b} = x^{a - b} \)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12