Chapter 0: Problem 24
Simplify each expression. $$ \frac{1}{6} x\left(3 x^{2}\right)^{3} $$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Expand the Exponent
Apply the Power of a Power Rule
Distribute the Multiplication
Simplify the Coefficient
Combine Terms for Final Expression
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Simplification
Consider the expression: \( \frac{1}{6} x (3x^2)^3 \). Our task is to simplify this into a more straightforward expression.
- The first step is to deal with the exponentiation within the parentheses, which means we will use specific exponent rules.
- The product, \( (3x^2)^3 \), includes both a coefficient and a variable raised to a power.
Ultimately, simplification not only makes expressions easier to read but also often further facilitates problem-solving or equation-solving processes.
Power of a Power Rule
For example, consider \( (a^m)^n \); according to the rule, this will be equal to \( a^{m \times n} \).
In our example, \( (3x^2)^3 \) involves applying this rule:
- Calculate: \( (x^2)^3 = x^{2 \times 3} = x^6 \)
- For the whole expression, \( 3^3 = 27 \), then combine the results to get \( 27x^6 \).
This rule is crucial whenever dealing with nested powers, often appearing in algebraic manipulations.
Product of Powers Rule
The rule can be presented as: \( a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n} \).
In the expression we are simplifying, once we have \( 27x^6 \) from the previous step, we need to multiply it with \( x \):
- Identify the same base (which is \( x \)), then apply the rule: \( x^1 \times x^6 = x^{1+6} = x^7 \).
Utilizing the product of powers rule is essential in algebra to simplify expressions, making them easier to work with and solve.