Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression: \( \frac{(b^{-2} \cdot (b^6)^{-2})}{b^{-5}} \).

Solution

The equation in the image is:

(b2(b6)2)b5\frac{(b^{-2} \cdot (b^6)^{-2})}{b^{-5}}

Let me simplify this step-by-step:

Step 1: Simplify the numerator

We have b2b^{-2} and (b6)2(b^6)^{-2}.

  • For (b6)2(b^6)^{-2}, apply the power of a power rule: (am)n=amn(a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n}. So, (b6)2=b6(2)=b12(b^6)^{-2} = b^{6 \cdot (-2)} = b^{-12}

  • Now the expression in the numerator is b2b12b^{-2} \cdot b^{-12}.

  • Applying the product of powers rule: aman=am+na^m \cdot a^n = a^{m + n}, we get: b2b12=b2+(12)=b14b^{-2} \cdot b^{-12} = b^{-2 + (-12)} = b^{-14}

Step 2: Combine the expression

Now we have: b14b5\frac{b^{-14}}{b^{-5}}

Step 3: Apply the quotient rule

For division of powers with the same base: aman=amn\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m - n}. So, b14b5=b14(5)=b14+5=b9\frac{b^{-14}}{b^{-5}} = b^{-14 - (-5)} = b^{-14 + 5} = b^{-9}

Final Answer:

b9b^{-9}

Would you like a detailed explanation of any specific step or further clarifications?

Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

  1. How would you simplify a7a3a2\frac{a^7 \cdot a^{-3}}{a^2}?
  2. What is the result of (x4)3x5(x^4)^3 \cdot x^{-5}?
  3. Simplify the expression y6y2\frac{y^6}{y^{-2}}.
  4. If a=2a = 2, calculate the value of a4a2a^{-4} \cdot a^2.
  5. What happens if you divide b5b^{-5} by b2b^{-2}?

Tip: When working with powers, always remember to apply the rules for multiplication, division, and power of a power carefully!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponents
Algebra
Simplification of Powers

Formulas

(a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n}
a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m + n}
\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m - n}

Theorems

Laws of Exponents
Quotient Rule for Exponents
Power of a Power Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10