Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression: (x^(-4) / y^3)^2 ÷ (y/x)^6

Solution

The expression in the image is:

(x4y3)2÷(yx)6\left(\frac{x^{-4}}{y^3}\right)^2 \div \left(\frac{y}{x}\right)^6

Let's simplify it step by step.

Step 1: Simplify the first part

The expression inside the first parentheses is x4y3\frac{x^{-4}}{y^3}. When you square this expression, you raise both the numerator and the denominator to the power of 2:

(x4y3)2=(x4)2(y3)2=x8y6\left(\frac{x^{-4}}{y^3}\right)^2 = \frac{(x^{-4})^2}{(y^3)^2} = \frac{x^{-8}}{y^6}

Step 2: Simplify the second part

Now, simplify the second part yx\frac{y}{x} raised to the 6th power:

(yx)6=y6x6\left(\frac{y}{x}\right)^6 = \frac{y^6}{x^6}

Step 3: Division of the two fractions

Now we divide the first simplified expression by the second one:

x8y6y6x6=x8y6×x6y6\frac{\frac{x^{-8}}{y^6}}{\frac{y^6}{x^6}} = \frac{x^{-8}}{y^6} \times \frac{x^6}{y^6}

Step 4: Multiply the fractions

When multiplying fractions, multiply the numerators and the denominators:

x8x6y6y6=x2y12\frac{x^{-8} \cdot x^6}{y^6 \cdot y^6} = \frac{x^{-2}}{y^{12}}

Final Answer

So, the simplified expression is:

x2y12=1x2y12\frac{x^{-2}}{y^{12}} = \frac{1}{x^2 y^{12}}

Would you like any more details or have any further questions?

Here are 5 related questions that you might find useful:

  1. How would the result change if the original expression had a different exponent?
  2. Can you explain the process of multiplying exponents when the bases are the same?
  3. What would the final expression look like if xx and yy were negative?
  4. How do exponent rules change when dealing with fractional exponents?
  5. How does this process change if there are additional variables involved?

Tip: Always remember to handle negative exponents carefully; they often mean you should take the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Exponentiation
Fractional Exponents

Formulas

Power of a quotient: (a/b)^n = a^n / b^n
Multiplication of exponents: a^m * a^n = a^(m+n)
Division of exponents: a^m / a^n = a^(m-n)

Theorems

Properties of Exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10