Chapter 8: Problem 82
SIMPLIFYING EXPRESSIONS Simplify the expression. $$ \frac{1}{(2 x)^{-2}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified form of the expression is \(4x^2\)
Step by step solution
01
Identify the expression
The expression to be simplified is \( \frac{1}{(2x)^{-2}} \)
02
Use the exponent rule
The rule \(a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}\) can be used to simplify this expression. Apply this to the given expression, \( (2x)^{-2} \) becomes \( \frac{1}{(2x)^2} \). So, the expression becomes \( \frac{1}{\frac{1}{(2x)^2}} \)
03
Simplify the fraction
This is a fraction of fractions. Simplify by multiplying the numerator and the denominator of the outer fraction by \((2x)^2\). This will remove the denominator. So, the expression simplifies to \((2x)^2\)
04
Expand the expression
The expression \((2x)^2\) can be expanded to \(4x^2\) so this is the simplest form of the expression
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Exponent Rules
Understanding exponent rules is vital in simplifying expressions like \( \frac{1}{(2x)^{-2}} \). Let's delve into the basics:
- Negative Exponents: The rule \( a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} \) tells us that a negative exponent means "one over" the base raised to the positive of that exponent.
- Power of a Product: This rule states that \( (ab)^n = a^n b^n \). It means you can "distribute" the exponent to both factors inside the parentheses.
Fraction Simplification
Fraction simplification involves turning complex fractions into simpler ones. In the problem \( \frac{1}{(2x)^{-2}} \), we encounter a fraction where the denominator is also a fraction, \(\frac{1}{(2x)^2}\). This is often called a fraction of fractions.
- Remove Fraction in Denominator: To simplify, multiply both the numerator and the denominator of the outer fraction by \((2x)^2\). This eliminates the fraction in the denominator and simplifies the whole expression.
- Resulting Simplification: When you multiply \(1\) by \((2x)^2\), it results in \((2x)^2\), effectively removing any fractions.
Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions like \( (2x)^2 \) involve variables and numbers combined through operations. Let's explore how to deal with them:
- Expand the Expression: To expand \((2x)^2\), use the distributive property \((a+b)^n = a^n + b^n\). Apply this to both parts: \((2)^2 \times (x)^2\) results in \(4x^2\).
- Combining Like Terms: Though less relevant in this specific problem, keep in mind that combining like terms simplifies expressions further. This technique groups similar terms, like \(x^2\) terms to consolidate computations.