Math Problem Statement

Simplify the following expressions: (x/y)^(-2), x^(-2)/y, (15x^7)(5x^(-2)) / x, (15x^7) / (5x^(-2))x.

Solution

Let's go through each part of the problem step by step.

(d) (xy)2\left(\frac{x}{y}\right)^{-2}

To simplify (xy)2\left(\frac{x}{y}\right)^{-2}, apply the negative exponent rule: (ab)n=(ba)n\left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^{-n} = \left(\frac{b}{a}\right)^n Thus: (xy)2=(yx)2=y2x2\left(\frac{x}{y}\right)^{-2} = \left(\frac{y}{x}\right)^2 = \frac{y^2}{x^2}

So, the simplified form is: y2x2\frac{y^2}{x^2}


(e) x2y\frac{x^{-2}}{y}

Simplify x2y\frac{x^{-2}}{y}. The negative exponent in x2x^{-2} moves x2x^2 to the denominator: x2y=1x2y\frac{x^{-2}}{y} = \frac{1}{x^2 y}

So, the simplified form is: 1x2y\frac{1}{x^2 y}


(a) (15x7)(5x2)/x(15x^7)(5x^{-2}) / x

First, simplify the numerator (15x7)(5x2)(15x^7)(5x^{-2}). Multiply the constants and use the exponent rule xaxb=xa+bx^a \cdot x^b = x^{a+b}: (155)(x7x2)=75x7+(2)=75x5(15 \cdot 5)(x^7 \cdot x^{-2}) = 75x^{7 + (-2)} = 75x^5

Now, divide by xx: 75x5x=75x51=75x4\frac{75x^5}{x} = 75x^{5-1} = 75x^4

So, the simplified form is: 75x475x^4


(b) (15x7)(5x2)x\frac{(15x^7)}{(5x^{-2})x}

First, simplify the fraction 15x75x2\frac{15x^7}{5x^{-2}}. Divide the constants and subtract the exponents of xx: 155x7x2=3x7(2)=3x9\frac{15}{5} \cdot \frac{x^7}{x^{-2}} = 3x^{7 - (-2)} = 3x^9

Now, divide by xx: 3x9x=3x91=3x8\frac{3x^9}{x} = 3x^{9-1} = 3x^8

So, the simplified form is: 3x83x^8


Would you like further details or have any other questions? Here are five follow-up questions:

  1. How do we handle negative exponents when simplifying fractions?
  2. Can you explain the steps for multiplying expressions with exponents?
  3. What is the rule for dividing terms with the same base in exponents?
  4. How do you simplify expressions with both constants and variables?
  5. How can exponent rules help in simplifying more complex algebraic expressions?

Tip: When working with exponents, always remember the rule that xaxb=xa+bx^a \cdot x^b = x^{a+b} and xa/xb=xabx^a / x^b = x^{a-b}.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Exponent Rules
Simplifying Expressions

Formulas

(a/b)^(-n) = (b/a)^n
x^a * x^b = x^(a+b)
x^a / x^b = x^(a-b)

Theorems

Exponent Rules
Multiplication and Division of Exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10