Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression: (3/b^2 - 1/b^4) / (1/b^3), and write the answer using only positive exponents.

Solution

Let's break down the given expression step by step.

The expression is:

3b21b41b3\frac{\frac{3}{b^2} - \frac{1}{b^4}}{\frac{1}{b^3}}

Step 1: Simplify the numerator

The numerator is:

3b21b4\frac{3}{b^2} - \frac{1}{b^4}

To subtract these fractions, we need a common denominator. The common denominator between b2b^2 and b4b^4 is b4b^4. Rewrite each term:

3b2=3b2b4,1b4=1b4\frac{3}{b^2} = \frac{3b^2}{b^4}, \quad \frac{1}{b^4} = \frac{1}{b^4}

Now subtract the two fractions:

3b21b4\frac{3b^2 - 1}{b^4}

Step 2: Simplify the whole expression

Now, the entire expression becomes:

3b21b41b3\frac{\frac{3b^2 - 1}{b^4}}{\frac{1}{b^3}}

We can simplify this by multiplying the numerator by the reciprocal of the denominator:

=(3b21b4)×(b31)= \left( \frac{3b^2 - 1}{b^4} \right) \times \left( \frac{b^3}{1} \right)

This simplifies to:

b3(3b21)b4=3b5b3b4\frac{b^3(3b^2 - 1)}{b^4} = \frac{3b^5 - b^3}{b^4}

Step 3: Simplify the final expression

Now simplify each term by canceling the powers of bb:

=3b5b4b3b4= \frac{3b^5}{b^4} - \frac{b^3}{b^4}

Simplifying both terms:

=3b1b= 3b - \frac{1}{b}

Thus, the simplified expression is:

3b1b3b - \frac{1}{b}

Would you like further details on any of these steps or more explanation?

Here are 5 questions for deeper understanding:

  1. How do you find a common denominator when subtracting fractions?
  2. Why do we multiply by the reciprocal of the denominator when simplifying complex fractions?
  3. How are exponents subtracted when dividing terms with the same base?
  4. What happens to the expression if we start with different exponents?
  5. Can you generalize the method used here for other variables or exponents?

Tip: When simplifying expressions involving fractions, always look for a common denominator and work through one step at a time to avoid mistakes.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Fractions with Exponents
Simplifying Rational Expressions

Formulas

Exponent rules: a^m / a^n = a^(m-n)
Common denominator for fractions
Reciprocal rule for division of fractions

Theorems

Laws of exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11