Math Problem Statement

(x^-3 * x^2)^-1 * (x^-2 * x^3)^-1

Solution

This is the given problem:

(x3x2)1(x2x3)1.\left( x^{-3} x^2 \right)^{-1} \cdot \left( x^{-2} x^3 \right)^{-1}.

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Simplify the terms inside the parentheses: Using the property of exponents xaxb=xa+bx^a \cdot x^b = x^{a+b}:

    • For the first term: x3x2=x3+2=x1.x^{-3} x^2 = x^{-3+2} = x^{-1}. Therefore, the first term becomes: (x3x2)1=(x1)1.\left( x^{-3} x^2 \right)^{-1} = \left( x^{-1} \right)^{-1}.

    • For the second term: x2x3=x2+3=x1=x.x^{-2} x^3 = x^{-2+3} = x^1 = x. Therefore, the second term becomes: (x2x3)1=(x)1.\left( x^{-2} x^3 \right)^{-1} = \left( x \right)^{-1}.

  2. Apply the property (xa)b=xab(x^a)^b = x^{a \cdot b}:

    • For the first term: (x1)1=x11=x1=x.\left( x^{-1} \right)^{-1} = x^{-1 \cdot -1} = x^1 = x.

    • For the second term: (x)1=x1.\left( x \right)^{-1} = x^{-1}.

  3. Combine the simplified terms: Now the expression becomes: xx1.x \cdot x^{-1}.

  4. Simplify the product: Again using the property xaxb=xa+bx^a \cdot x^b = x^{a+b}: xx1=x1+(1)=x0.x \cdot x^{-1} = x^{1 + (-1)} = x^0.

  5. Simplify x0x^0: By definition, x0=1x^0 = 1 (for x0x \neq 0).

Final Answer:

1.\boxed{1}.


Would you like a more detailed breakdown or have any questions about the steps? Here are five related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. What are the laws of exponents, and how do they apply to combining terms like xaxbx^a \cdot x^b?
  2. How do negative exponents relate to reciprocal terms, such as x1=1xx^{-1} = \frac{1}{x}?
  3. Why does x0=1x^0 = 1 for any x0x \neq 0?
  4. How would the solution change if the exponents were fractions instead of integers?
  5. What is the difference between simplifying and solving in algebraic contexts?

Tip: Always simplify inside parentheses first before dealing with exponents applied to the entire term!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Exponents
Simplifying Expressions

Formulas

x^a * x^b = x^(a+b)
(x^a)^b = x^(a*b)
x^0 = 1

Theorems

Laws of Exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10