Math Problem Statement

Given that \( \frac{\sqrt{x^{-1} \cdot x^{\frac{3}{2}} y^2}}{\sqrt{x^6 y^{-\frac{2}{3}}}} = x^a y^b \), find \( a \) and \( b \).

Solution

To solve this problem, let's go through each part of the expression step-by-step. We need to simplify the expression on the left side so it matches the form xaybx^a y^b.

Given:

x1x32y2x6y23=xayb\frac{\sqrt{x^{-1} \cdot x^{\frac{3}{2}} y^2}}{\sqrt{x^6 y^{-\frac{2}{3}}}} = x^a y^b

Step 1: Simplify the Numerator

In the numerator, we have: x1x32y2\sqrt{x^{-1} \cdot x^{\frac{3}{2}} y^2} This can be simplified by combining the powers of xx and yy within the square root.

  1. Combine powers of xx: x1x32=x1+32=x12x^{-1} \cdot x^{\frac{3}{2}} = x^{-1 + \frac{3}{2}} = x^{\frac{1}{2}}

  2. Simplify y2y^2: Since y2y^2 is already a single term, we keep it as is.

Now the expression inside the square root becomes: x12y2x^{\frac{1}{2}} y^2

Taking the square root, we get: x12y2=x14y\sqrt{x^{\frac{1}{2}} y^2} = x^{\frac{1}{4}} y

Step 2: Simplify the Denominator

In the denominator, we have: x6y23\sqrt{x^6 y^{-\frac{2}{3}}} Taking the square root of each term individually:

  1. For x6x^6: x6=x3\sqrt{x^6} = x^3

  2. For y23y^{-\frac{2}{3}}: y23=y13\sqrt{y^{-\frac{2}{3}}} = y^{-\frac{1}{3}}

So the denominator simplifies to: x3y13x^3 y^{-\frac{1}{3}}

Step 3: Combine Numerator and Denominator

Now, the expression becomes: x14yx3y13\frac{x^{\frac{1}{4}} y}{x^3 y^{-\frac{1}{3}}}

Separate the terms for xx and yy:

  1. For xx: x14x3=x143=x14124=x114\frac{x^{\frac{1}{4}}}{x^3} = x^{\frac{1}{4} - 3} = x^{\frac{1}{4} - \frac{12}{4}} = x^{-\frac{11}{4}}

  2. For yy: yy13=y1+13=y43\frac{y}{y^{-\frac{1}{3}}} = y^{1 + \frac{1}{3}} = y^{\frac{4}{3}}

Thus, we have: x114y43=xaybx^{-\frac{11}{4}} y^{\frac{4}{3}} = x^a y^b

Step 4: Identify aa and bb

By comparison, we find: a=114andb=43a = -\frac{11}{4} \quad \text{and} \quad b = \frac{4}{3}

Final Answer

a=114,b=43a = -\frac{11}{4}, \quad b = \frac{4}{3}

Would you like further clarification on any step?


Related Questions

  1. How do you simplify expressions with fractional exponents?
  2. What are the rules for combining powers with the same base?
  3. How can square roots be expressed in terms of exponents?
  4. How do you handle negative exponents in fractions?
  5. What is the process for rationalizing expressions with exponents?

Tip

When simplifying expressions with multiple terms under a square root, it can help to split up the terms and simplify each part separately.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Exponents
Square Roots
Simplification

Formulas

Power of a power: \( x^m \cdot x^n = x^{m+n} \)
Square root of an exponent: \( \sqrt{x^n} = x^{n/2} \)

Theorems

Exponent Rules
Properties of Radicals

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12