Chapter 1: Problem 33
In Exercises \(5-48,\) simplify the given expressions. Express results with positive exponents only. $$\left(2 v^{2}\right)^{-6}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified expression is \(\frac{1}{64v^{12}}\).
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Negative Exponent
The negative exponent in the expression \((2v^{2})^{-6}\) implies taking the reciprocal of the base. This means we need to rewrite the expression as a fraction before simplifying.
02
Rewrite as the Reciprocal
Since the expression is \((2v^{2})^{-6}\), we rewrite it by taking the reciprocal: \(\frac{1}{(2v^{2})^{6}}\). This step changes the negative exponent to a positive exponent in the denominator.
03
Simplify the Exponent
Now, calculate \((2v^{2})^{6}\). This expression involves raising both 2 and \(v^{2}\) to the 6th power. According to the power of a product rule: \((ab)^{n} = a^{n}b^{n}\), apply it here for \((2v^{2})^{6}\).
04
Apply Power of a Product Rule
Raise each factor within the parenthesis to the 6th power: \((2)^{6}(v^{2})^{6}\). This becomes \(2^{6} \times (v^{2})^{6}\).
05
Calculate the Powers
Calculate \(2^{6}\) which is 64, and \((v^{2})^{6}\) which using the power of a power rule (\((x^{m})^{n} = x^{m\cdot n}\)) becomes \(v^{12}\). So, \((2v^{2})^{6} = 64v^{12}\).
06
Write the Final Simplified Expression
Incorporate the simplified denominator back into the fraction: \(\frac{1}{64v^{12}}\). This is the final result, written with positive exponents.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Negative Exponent
Understanding negative exponents is essential in algebraic simplification. When you encounter a negative exponent, such as in the expression \((2v^2)^{-6}\), it signifies that you need to take the reciprocal of the base. Negative exponents transform numbers to their reciprocal which helps in dealing with divisions more conveniently.
For example:
For example:
- \(x^{-n} = \frac{1}{x^n}\)
Power of a Product Rule
The power of a product rule helps us simplify expressions where a product is raised to an exponent, like \((ab)^n = a^n b^n\). In our exercise, the expression \((2v^2)^6\) involves both a numerical factor (2) and a variable factor \(v^2\).
Applying the rule means:
Applying the rule means:
- Each part of the product inside the parenthesis is raised to the exponent separately.
- This turns \((2v^2)^6\) into \(2^6 \times (v^2)^6\).
Power of a Power Rule
The power of a power rule is another vital tool in algebraic simplification. It handles scenarios where an expression with an existing exponent is raised to another exponent. For instance, \((x^m)^n = x^{m \cdot n}\). This rule significantly reduces the complexity of expressions involving powers.
In our situation:
In our situation:
- Apply it to \((v^2)^6\), resulting in \(v^{2 \cdot 6} = v^{12}\).
Positive Exponents
Converting to positive exponents simplifies equations and is a common requirement for final presentation in algebra. Positive exponents indicate standard multiplication and are more intuitive to understand. They are considered 'cleaner' as they represent straightforward repetition.
In our exercise:
In our exercise:
- We began with the negative exponent \((2v^2)^{-6}\), recognized it as \(\frac{1}{(2v^2)^6}\), and simplified.
- The process involved converting negative exponents into positive by using reciprocals, as well as applying the power of product and power of power rules.
- The result, expressed entirely with positive exponents, is \(\frac{1}{64v^{12}}\).