Math Problem Statement

Which of the following is equivalent to the expression \((a^3b^4)^{-2}(a^{-3}b^{-5})^{-4}\)?

Solution

To solve the given expression:

(a3b4)2(a3b5)4\left(a^3b^4\right)^{-2}\left(a^{-3}b^{-5}\right)^{-4}

We need to simplify step by step:


Step 1: Simplify each part of the expression

  1. First term: (a3b4)2=a3(2)b4(2)=a6b8\left(a^3b^4\right)^{-2} = a^{3 \cdot (-2)}b^{4 \cdot (-2)} = a^{-6}b^{-8}

  2. Second term: (a3b5)4=a3(4)b5(4)=a12b20\left(a^{-3}b^{-5}\right)^{-4} = a^{-3 \cdot (-4)}b^{-5 \cdot (-4)} = a^{12}b^{20}


Step 2: Combine the two results

Now combine the two simplified terms: a6b8a12b20a^{-6}b^{-8} \cdot a^{12}b^{20}

Using the laws of exponents (aman=am+na^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n} and bmbn=bm+nb^m \cdot b^n = b^{m+n}): a6+12b8+20=a6b12a^{-6 + 12}b^{-8 + 20} = a^6b^{12}


Final Answer:

The simplified expression is: a6b12a^6b^{12}

This corresponds to option (b).


Would you like additional details or further explanation on this problem?

Related Questions:

  1. How do you simplify expressions with negative exponents?
  2. What is the general rule for multiplying terms with the same base?
  3. Why does (am)n=amn\left(a^m\right)^n = a^{m \cdot n}?
  4. How do exponents distribute over products like (ab)n(ab)^n?
  5. Can you provide a real-world example involving exponents?

Tip:

Always simplify each term separately before combining them in exponent problems to reduce errors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Exponents
Exponent Rules
Negative Exponents

Formulas

(a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n}
a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}
(ab)^n = a^n \cdot b^n

Theorems

Laws of Exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10