Math Problem Statement

Select the equivalent expression: \( \frac{x^{-6} x^7 y^4}{y^5} \).

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to simplify the given expression with exponents:

x6x7y4y5\frac{x^{-6} x^7 y^4}{y^5}

Step 1: Simplify the xx terms

The terms involving xx in the numerator are x6x^{-6} and x7x^7. Using the rule xaxb=xa+bx^a \cdot x^b = x^{a+b}, we combine these exponents:

x6x7=x6+7=x1=xx^{-6} \cdot x^7 = x^{-6 + 7} = x^1 = x

Step 2: Simplify the yy terms

The yy terms in the expression are y4y^4 in the numerator and y5y^5 in the denominator. Using the division rule yayb=yab\frac{y^a}{y^b} = y^{a-b}, we get:

y4y5=y45=y1=1y\frac{y^4}{y^5} = y^{4 - 5} = y^{-1} = \frac{1}{y}

Step 3: Combine the simplified terms

After simplifying both the xx and yy terms, we are left with:

xy\frac{x}{y}

Final Answer

The correct answer is: xy\frac{x}{y}

So, the answer choice to select is:

  • xy\frac{x}{y}

Would you like further explanation on any steps or have questions about exponent rules?

Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How would you simplify an expression like x3y2x1y4\frac{x^3 y^{-2}}{x^{-1} y^4}?
  2. What is the result of x3y2x2y4x^{-3} y^2 \cdot x^2 y^{-4}?
  3. How do you simplify expressions where both the numerator and denominator have multiple terms with negative exponents?
  4. Can you explain why x0=1x^0 = 1 and how it affects simplifications?
  5. What steps would you take to rewrite x2y3\frac{x^{-2}}{y^{-3}} with only positive exponents?

Tip: Remember that negative exponents indicate a reciprocal. For example, xa=1xax^{-a} = \frac{1}{x^a}. This can help in simplifying expressions by moving terms from the numerator to the denominator and vice versa.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Exponent Rules
Negative Exponents

Formulas

Product of Powers: \( x^a \cdot x^b = x^{a+b} \)
Quotient of Powers: \( \frac{y^a}{y^b} = y^{a-b} \)
Negative Exponent Rule: \( x^{-a} = \frac{1}{x^a} \)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9