Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression (x^(-3) / y^3)^(-7).

Solution

The expression in the image is:

(x3y3)7\left(\frac{x^{-3}}{y^3}\right)^{-7}

To simplify this expression, let's follow the steps below:

  1. Apply the Negative Exponent Rule: Recall that an=1ana^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}. This rule applies to both the fraction and the exponent:

    (x3y3)7=(y3x3)7\left(\frac{x^{-3}}{y^3}\right)^{-7} = \left(\frac{y^3}{x^{-3}}\right)^{7}

  2. Simplify the Fraction Inside the Parentheses: Since x3=1x3x^{-3} = \frac{1}{x^3}, the fraction becomes:

    y31x3=y3x3=x3y3\frac{y^3}{\frac{1}{x^3}} = y^3 \cdot x^3 = x^3y^3

  3. Apply the Exponent to Each Term: Distribute the exponent of 7 to both x3x^3 and y3y^3:

    (x3y3)7=(x3)7(y3)7=x21y21\left(x^3y^3\right)^7 = (x^3)^7 \cdot (y^3)^7 = x^{21} \cdot y^{21}

Thus, the simplified form of the expression is:

x21y21x^{21}y^{21}

Would you like any more details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions:

  1. How would you simplify (x2y5)3\left(\frac{x^2}{y^{-5}}\right)^{-3}?
  2. What happens when you have a negative exponent outside the parentheses for a fraction?
  3. How do you simplify expressions with multiple negative exponents?
  4. What is the general rule for distributing exponents over products?
  5. Can you simplify (xmyn)k\left(\frac{x^m}{y^n}\right)^{-k} for general mm, nn, and kk?

Tip: Always remember to handle negative exponents carefully by applying the rule an=1ana^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} before simplifying the expression further.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Exponents
Simplification

Formulas

a^(-n) = 1 / a^n
(a/b)^n = a^n / b^n

Theorems

Negative Exponent Rule
Power of a Power Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10