Math Problem Statement

Simplify the following expression: ((x y^(-3))/(2 z^(-3)))^2 * (x^2/z). Write your answer using only positive exponents.

Solution

Let's analyze and simplify the given expression step by step.

The expression is:

(xy32z3)2(x2z1)\left( \frac{x y^{-3}}{2 z^{-3}} \right)^2 \cdot \left( \frac{x^2}{z^1} \right)

Step 1: Simplify the first part inside the parentheses:

xy32z3\frac{x y^{-3}}{2 z^{-3}} This can be rewritten as: x2y3z3=x2z3y3=xz32y3\frac{x}{2} \cdot \frac{y^{-3}}{z^{-3}} = \frac{x}{2} \cdot \frac{z^3}{y^3} = \frac{x z^3}{2 y^3}

Step 2: Apply the exponent to the simplified fraction:

(xz32y3)2=x2z64y6\left( \frac{x z^3}{2 y^3} \right)^2 = \frac{x^2 z^6}{4 y^6}

Step 3: Multiply by the second part:

x2z64y6x2z\frac{x^2 z^6}{4 y^6} \cdot \frac{x^2}{z} This simplifies to: x2z64y6x2z=x4z54y6\frac{x^2 z^6}{4 y^6} \cdot \frac{x^2}{z} = \frac{x^4 z^5}{4 y^6}

Final Answer:

x4z54y6\frac{x^4 z^5}{4 y^6}

This is the simplified expression with only positive exponents.

Would you like a detailed breakdown of any step or further clarification?

Follow-up Questions:

  1. How do we handle negative exponents in fractions?
  2. Why does z3z^{-3} become z3z^3 when moved from the denominator?
  3. How does exponentiation affect each component of a fraction?
  4. Can you identify other ways to simplify expressions with multiple variables?
  5. What rules apply when multiplying variables with exponents?

Tip: Always remember that negative exponents indicate the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponents
Simplification
Algebraic Fractions

Formulas

a^m * a^n = a^(m+n)
(a/b)^n = a^n / b^n
a^(-n) = 1/a^n

Theorems

Exponent Laws
Fraction Exponentiation

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10