Math Problem Statement

The expression ((x^(-3) y^3 z^(-4)) / (y^(-3) z^4 x^(-5)))^(-1). Find the exponents of x, y, and z.

Solution

Let's analyze the expression in the image:

(x3y3z4y3z4x5)1\left( \frac{x^{-3} y^3 z^{-4}}{y^{-3} z^4 x^{-5}} \right)^{-1}

We need to simplify this step by step:

Step 1: Simplify the fraction inside the parentheses

In the numerator, we have x3,y3,z4x^{-3}, y^3, z^{-4}.
In the denominator, we have y3,z4,x5y^{-3}, z^4, x^{-5}.

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

  • For xx: x3x5=x3(5)=x2\frac{x^{-3}}{x^{-5}} = x^{-3 - (-5)} = x^{2}
  • For yy: y3y3=y3(3)=y6\frac{y^3}{y^{-3}} = y^{3 - (-3)} = y^{6}
  • For zz: z4z4=z44=z8\frac{z^{-4}}{z^{4}} = z^{-4 - 4} = z^{-8}

This simplifies the expression inside the parentheses to:

x2y6z8x^2 y^6 z^{-8}

Step 2: Apply the outer exponent 1-1

Now, we need to apply the exponent 1-1 to the whole expression. This will invert the signs of all the exponents:

(x2y6z8)1=x2y6z8(x^2 y^6 z^{-8})^{-1} = x^{-2} y^{-6} z^{8}

Step 3: Match the given format

The expression equals zrxsyt\frac{z^r}{x^s y^t}, so we need to write it in that format:

z8x2y6\frac{z^{8}}{x^{2} y^{6}}

From this, we can see that:

  • r=8r = 8 (the exponent of zz),
  • s=2s = 2 (the exponent of xx),
  • t=6t = 6 (the exponent of yy).

Conclusion:

  • The exponent of zz (rr) is 88,
  • The exponent of xx (ss) is 22 (which is correctly marked),
  • The exponent of yy (tt) is 66.

Would you like more details or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How do you simplify expressions involving negative exponents?
  2. What are the rules for multiplying and dividing exponents with the same base?
  3. How does raising a product to a power affect the exponents inside the product?
  4. What happens when you raise a fraction to a negative exponent?
  5. How can simplifying expressions with exponents help in solving equations?

Tip: Always simplify the expression inside parentheses first before applying outer exponents to avoid confusion.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponents
Simplification of Rational Expressions

Formulas

a^m / a^n = a^(m-n)
(a^m)^n = a^(m*n)

Theorems

Properties of Exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10