Chapter 7: Problem 72
Simplify each expression. Assume that all variables are positive. $$\left(\frac{81 y^{16}}{16 x^{12}}\right)^{\frac{1}{2}}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified expression is \( \frac{9y^8}{4x^6} \)
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Exponents
We will start by identifying the exponents for each of the numerical values and variables within the brackets: \[ \left( \frac{81 y^{16}}{16 x^{12}} \right)^{\frac{1}{2}} \]. Here, we can see that 81, \(y^{16}\), 16 and \(x^{12}\) are all raised to the power of \(\frac{1}{2}\).
02
Simplify the Numerical Part
Next, simplify the root of the numerical values \(81^\frac{1}{2}\) and \(16^\frac{1}{2}\). The square root of 81 is 9, and the square root of 16 is 4. Therefore, the fraction becomes \(\frac{9}{4}\)
03
Simplify the Variable Part
Now, simplify the variables \(y^{16}\) and \(x^{12}\) both raised to the power \(\frac{1}{2}\). Following the rule of exponents that states \( (a^n)^m = a^{n*m}\), the variable parts become \(y^{16*\frac{1}{2}}\) and \(x^{12*\frac{1}{2}}\), which simplifies to \(y^8\) and \(x^6\). So, the expression is now \(\frac{9y^8}{4x^6}\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Simplifying Expressions
Simplifying expressions involves breaking down complex mathematical expressions into a more manageable form. This process is essential in solving equations and understanding mathematical relationships.
Let's simplify the expression step-by-step. First, identify the components within the expression that can be combined or reduced.
Next, simplify the variables using exponent rules, which we'll discuss in more detail. The resulting expression becomes: \[\frac{9y^8}{4x^6}.\]
Remember, simplification often helps to better understand and solve problems by converting them into their simplest forms.
Let's simplify the expression step-by-step. First, identify the components within the expression that can be combined or reduced.
- Numerical values: Simplify any numbers first. Look out for integers that can be factored or broken into their prime components.
- Variables: Pay attention to the parts involving variables, and apply appropriate exponent rules.
Next, simplify the variables using exponent rules, which we'll discuss in more detail. The resulting expression becomes: \[\frac{9y^8}{4x^6}.\]
Remember, simplification often helps to better understand and solve problems by converting them into their simplest forms.
Square Roots
Square roots are fundamental concepts in mathematics, used to find a number which, when multiplied by itself, results in the original number.
For instance, the square root of 81 is 9 because 9 multiplied by 9 equals 81.
Understanding how square roots work allows us to simplify expressions easily. Let's consider the square root aspect in more detail.
For instance, the square root of 81 is 9 because 9 multiplied by 9 equals 81.
Understanding how square roots work allows us to simplify expressions easily. Let's consider the square root aspect in more detail.
- Prime Factorization: Break down the number into its prime factors, which helps in identifying its square roots. For example, 16 is the same as \(2^4\).
- Perfect Squares: A number whose square root results in an integer. Both 81 and 16 are perfect squares, which simplifies the calculation to 9 and 4, respectively.
Fractional Exponents
Fractional exponents may appear daunting, but they are just an extension of the idea of square roots. A fractional exponent like \(\frac{1}{2}\) represents a root—specifically the square root if it's \(\frac{1}{2}\).
For instance, any number \(a\) raised to the power of \(\frac{1}{2}\) is equivalent to the square root of \(a\), or \(\sqrt{a}.\) In our expression, \[\left(\frac{81 y^{16}}{16 x^{12}}\right)^{\frac{1}{2}},\]let's break down how this works:
For instance, any number \(a\) raised to the power of \(\frac{1}{2}\) is equivalent to the square root of \(a\), or \(\sqrt{a}.\) In our expression, \[\left(\frac{81 y^{16}}{16 x^{12}}\right)^{\frac{1}{2}},\]let's break down how this works:
- Applying Fractional Exponents to Numbers: \(81^{\frac{1}{2}}\) becomes 9 and \(16^{\frac{1}{2}}\) becomes 4.
- Applying Fractional Exponents to Variables: Use the rule \((a^n)^m = a^{n*m}\), so \(y^{16}\) raised to \(\frac{1}{2}\) becomes \(y^{8}\), and \(x^{12}\) becomes \(x^{6}\).