Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression 15p^7 / (3p^3)^2

Solution

The given expression is:

15p7(3p3)2\frac{15p^7}{(3p^3)^2}

Let's simplify this step by step.

Step 1: Simplify the denominator

The denominator is (3p3)2(3p^3)^2. To simplify this, apply the power of a product rule:

(3p3)2=32(p3)2=9p6(3p^3)^2 = 3^2 \cdot (p^3)^2 = 9p^6

So, the expression becomes:

15p79p6\frac{15p^7}{9p^6}

Step 2: Simplify the fraction

Now simplify the constants and the powers of pp:

159=53\frac{15}{9} = \frac{5}{3}

For the powers of pp, subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator:

p7/p6=p76=p1=pp^7 / p^6 = p^{7-6} = p^1 = p

Final Expression:

After simplification, the final expression is:

5p3\frac{5p}{3}

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

  1. How would you simplify 20p8(4p2)3\frac{20p^8}{(4p^2)^3}?
  2. What is the general rule for simplifying xmxn\frac{x^m}{x^n}?
  3. How can you simplify expressions with more complex powers like 18p12(6p4)2\frac{18p^{12}}{(6p^4)^2}?
  4. How would you handle an expression where the denominator has a negative exponent, e.g., 12x5(2x2)3\frac{12x^5}{(2x^{-2})^3}?
  5. What happens when the numerator and denominator have the same exponent, like p4p4\frac{p^4}{p^4}?

Tip: When simplifying expressions involving exponents, remember the quotient rule: aman=amn\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}, which allows you to subtract exponents directly when the bases are the same.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Exponents
Simplification of Rational Expressions

Formulas

(a^m / a^n = a^(m-n))
Power of a Product: (ab)^n = a^n * b^n

Theorems

Quotient Rule for Exponents
Power Rule for Exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10