Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression (54^n - 18^{n-1} * 3^{n+1}) / ((3^n - 1)^2 * 6^n).

Solution

The expression you provided is:

54n18n13n+1(3n1)26n\frac{54^n - 18^{n-1} \cdot 3^{n+1}}{(3^n - 1)^2 \cdot 6^n}

Let me break down the expression and simplify it step by step:

Step 1: Rewrite powers of numbers as products of primes

  1. 54=23354 = 2 \cdot 3^3
  2. 18=23218 = 2 \cdot 3^2
  3. 6=236 = 2 \cdot 3

Using these, we can express everything in terms of powers of 2 and 3:

54n=(233)n=2n33n54^n = (2 \cdot 3^3)^n = 2^n \cdot 3^{3n} 18n1=(232)n1=2n132(n1)=2n132n218^{n-1} = (2 \cdot 3^2)^{n-1} = 2^{n-1} \cdot 3^{2(n-1)} = 2^{n-1} \cdot 3^{2n-2} 3n+1 remains the same.3^{n+1} \text{ remains the same.} 6n=(23)n=2n3n6^n = (2 \cdot 3)^n = 2^n \cdot 3^n

Step 2: Substitute the rewritten terms

Now, let's substitute these into the original expression:

2n33n(2n132n2)3n+1(3n1)22n3n\frac{2^n \cdot 3^{3n} - (2^{n-1} \cdot 3^{2n-2}) \cdot 3^{n+1}}{(3^n - 1)^2 \cdot 2^n \cdot 3^n}

Step 3: Simplify the numerator

The second term in the numerator simplifies as follows:

(2n132n2)3n+1=2n132n2+n+1=2n133n1(2^{n-1} \cdot 3^{2n-2}) \cdot 3^{n+1} = 2^{n-1} \cdot 3^{2n-2 + n+1} = 2^{n-1} \cdot 3^{3n-1}

Thus, the numerator becomes:

2n33n2n133n12^n \cdot 3^{3n} - 2^{n-1} \cdot 3^{3n-1}

Factor out 2n133n12^{n-1} \cdot 3^{3n-1}:

2n133n1(231)2^{n-1} \cdot 3^{3n-1} \cdot \left( 2 \cdot 3 - 1 \right)

Since 231=52 \cdot 3 - 1 = 5, the numerator becomes:

52n133n15 \cdot 2^{n-1} \cdot 3^{3n-1}

Step 4: Simplify the entire expression

Now, the whole expression becomes:

52n133n1(3n1)22n3n\frac{5 \cdot 2^{n-1} \cdot 3^{3n-1}}{(3^n - 1)^2 \cdot 2^n \cdot 3^n}

Cancel 2n12^{n-1} with 2n2^n, and 3n3^n with part of the 33n13^{3n-1}:

532n1(3n1)22\frac{5 \cdot 3^{2n-1}}{(3^n - 1)^2 \cdot 2}

Thus, the simplified expression is:

532n12(3n1)2\boxed{\frac{5 \cdot 3^{2n-1}}{2 \cdot (3^n - 1)^2}}

Let me know if you'd like further clarifications or details!


Here are five related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How do you simplify expressions involving exponents with different bases?
  2. What are some strategies to factor more complex algebraic expressions?
  3. How do powers of numbers behave under multiplication and division?
  4. What are the general rules for simplifying fractions with powers?
  5. How does one handle higher degree polynomials like (3n1)2(3^n - 1)^2?

Tip: Always try to factor common terms in both the numerator and denominator to simplify expressions efficiently!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Exponentiation
Simplification of Expressions

Formulas

a^n * b^n = (a*b)^n
Distributive Property
Laws of Exponents

Theorems

Exponentiation Theorem
Factorization Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12