Math Problem Statement

Simplify the given expression: (4x^-2 / 5y^-1)^-3. Express the answer so that all exponents are positive.

Solution

The expression shown in the image is:

(4x25y1)3\left( \frac{4x^{-2}}{5y^{-1}} \right)^{-3}

We are tasked with simplifying this expression and expressing all exponents as positive.

Step-by-step simplification:

  1. Apply the exponent to both the numerator and the denominator:

    Using the property (ab)n=anbn\left( \frac{a}{b} \right)^n = \frac{a^n}{b^n}, we get:

    (4x25y1)3=(4x2)3(5y1)3\left( \frac{4x^{-2}}{5y^{-1}} \right)^{-3} = \frac{(4x^{-2})^{-3}}{(5y^{-1})^{-3}}

  2. Distribute the exponents inside the parentheses:

    Apply the exponent of 3-3 to each part of the numerator and the denominator. Using the property (am)n=amn(a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n}, we get:

    (43)(x2(3))(53)(y1(3))\frac{(4^{-3})(x^{-2 \cdot (-3)})}{(5^{-3})(y^{-1 \cdot (-3)})}

    Simplifying the exponents:

    • 43=143=1644^{-3} = \frac{1}{4^3} = \frac{1}{64}
    • x2(3)=x6x^{-2 \cdot (-3)} = x^6
    • 53=153=11255^{-3} = \frac{1}{5^3} = \frac{1}{125}
    • y1(3)=y3y^{-1 \cdot (-3)} = y^3

    So, the expression becomes:

    164x61125y3\frac{\frac{1}{64}x^6}{\frac{1}{125}y^3}

  3. Simplify the fraction:

    Dividing by a fraction is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal:

    164x61125y3=164x61251y3=125x664y3\frac{\frac{1}{64}x^6}{\frac{1}{125}y^3} = \frac{1}{64}x^6 \cdot \frac{125}{1y^3} = \frac{125x^6}{64y^3}

Final answer:

125x664y3\frac{125x^6}{64y^3}

All exponents are now positive, and the expression is fully simplified.


Would you like more details or further clarification?

Here are five questions related to this concept:

  1. What are the rules for dealing with negative exponents?
  2. How does the property (ab)n=anbn\left( \frac{a}{b} \right)^n = \frac{a^n}{b^n} apply when simplifying expressions?
  3. What happens when we raise a fraction to a negative exponent?
  4. How can we simplify expressions with multiple variables and exponents?
  5. How do you convert a negative exponent into a positive one?

Tip: When simplifying exponents, always apply the exponent rule to each term carefully, whether it's in the numerator or denominator.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponents
Algebra

Formulas

(a^m)^n = a^{m * n}
(a/b)^n = a^n / b^n
Negative exponents: a^-n = 1 / a^n

Theorems

Exponent rules
Multiplying and dividing exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 9-11