Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression: 3m^2n^-3 / 15n^2m^4.

Solution

The provided question asks to simplify the following expression:

3m2n315n2m4\frac{3m^2n^{-3}}{15n^2m^4}

Step 1: Simplify the constants

The constants in the expression are 3 and 15. Simplify this as:

315=15\frac{3}{15} = \frac{1}{5}

Step 2: Simplify the mm-terms

You have m2m^2 in the numerator and m4m^4 in the denominator. Using the law of exponents aman=amn\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}, we subtract the exponents of mm:

m2m4=m24=m2\frac{m^2}{m^4} = m^{2-4} = m^{-2}

Step 3: Simplify the nn-terms

You have n3n^{-3} in the numerator and n2n^2 in the denominator. Similarly, subtract the exponents of nn:

n3n2=n32=n5\frac{n^{-3}}{n^2} = n^{-3-2} = n^{-5}

Step 4: Combine everything

Now, combining all the simplified terms together:

3m2n315n2m4=m2n55\frac{3m^2n^{-3}}{15n^2m^4} = \frac{m^{-2}n^{-5}}{5}

Thus, the simplified expression is:

m2n55\frac{m^{-2}n^{-5}}{5}

Step 5: Match with the answer choices

This matches option A:

A.m2n55\boxed{A. \frac{m^{-2}n^{-5}}{5}}

Let me know if you need more details or have any questions.


Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

  1. Simplify 6a3b218a5b\frac{6a^3b^{-2}}{18a^5b}.
  2. Simplify 4x2y416x3y5\frac{4x^2y^{-4}}{16x^{-3}y^5}.
  3. Find the result of 5p4q120p2q3\frac{5p^4q^{-1}}{20p^2q^3}.
  4. Simplify 7x2y314x5y2\frac{7x^{-2}y^3}{14x^5y^{-2}}.
  5. Solve 2m1n28m3n1\frac{2m^{-1}n^2}{8m^3n^{-1}}.

Tip:

When simplifying algebraic fractions, always handle constants separately and apply exponent rules like aman=amn\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} for like bases.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Exponent Rules
Simplifying Fractions

Formulas

(a^m / a^n) = a^(m-n)
(m^x / m^y) = m^(x-y)
n^-a = 1/n^a

Theorems

Exponent Laws

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11