Chapter 14: Problem 106
Assume that all exponents are integers, all denominators are nonzero, and zero is not raised to a nonpositive power. $$\left[\left(\frac{x^{r}}{y^{t}}\right)^{2}\left(\frac{x^{2 r}}{y^{4 t}}\right)^{-2}\right]^{-3}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified expression is \(\frac{x^{6r}}{y^{18t}}\).
Step by step solution
01
Simplify the expression inside the inner brackets
We have the expression inside the inner brackets:
\(\left(\frac{x^{r}}{y^{t}}\right)^{2}\left(\frac{x^{2 r}}{y^{4 t}}\right)^{-2}\)
First, apply the power of a power property to each part of the expression:
\(\frac{x^{2r}}{y^{2t}} \cdot \frac{x^{-4r}}{y^{-8t}}\)
02
Multiply the fractions and simplify it
Now, multiply the fractions and apply the property of multiplying powers with the same base:
\(\frac{x^{2r}x^{-4r}}{y^{2t}y^{-8t}}\)
Combine the exponents:
\(\frac{x^{2r-4r}}{y^{2t-8t}}\)
Simplify the exponents:
\(\frac{x^{-2r}}{y^{-6t}}\)
03
Consider the reciprocal of a power
Since we are dealing with negative exponents, apply the reciprocal of a power to rewrite it as positive exponents:
\(\frac{y^{6t}}{x^{2r}}\)
04
Apply the outer exponent to the simplified expression
Now, let's apply the outer exponent -3 to the simplified expression inside the outer brackets:
\(\left[\frac{y^{6t}}{x^{2r}}\right]^{-3}\)
Apply the power of a power property:
\(\frac{y^{-18t}}{x^{-6r}}\)
05
Consider the reciprocal of a power again
Lastly, apply the reciprocal of a power to rewrite the negative exponents as positive exponents and simplify the expression:
\(\frac{x^{6r}}{y^{18t}}\)
After going through all the steps, the simplified expression is:
\(\frac{x^{6r}}{y^{18t}}\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Integer Exponents
Exponents are a way to express repeated multiplication of a number by itself. Integer exponents refer to exponents that are whole numbers. For instance, in the expression \( x^3 \), the exponent 3 signifies that \( x \) is multiplied by itself three times: \( x \times x \times x \). Understanding integer exponents is crucial because they appear frequently in algebraic expressions and help to simplify calculations.
Here are some key properties to remember:
They are the building blocks for more complex operations involving exponents.
Here are some key properties to remember:
- Multiplication: When multiplying numbers with the same base, add the exponents: \( a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n} \).
- Division: When dividing numbers with the same base, subtract the exponents: \( a^m / a^n = a^{m-n} \).
- Power of a Power: When raising a power to another power, multiply the exponents: \( (a^m)^n = a^{mn} \).
They are the building blocks for more complex operations involving exponents.
Negative Exponents
Negative exponents might initially seem confusing, but they are straightforward once you grasp the concept. A negative exponent indicates the reciprocal of the base raised to the opposite positive exponent. For instance, \( a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} \).
So, if you encounter a negative exponent:
This process not only reduces complexity but is essential for simplification in algebra.
So, if you encounter a negative exponent:
- Move the base to the reciprocal (the opposite part of a fraction) and change the sign of the exponent to positive.
- This helps in transforming difficult expressions into more manageable forms.
This process not only reduces complexity but is essential for simplification in algebra.
Power of a Power
In algebra, when you have an exponent raised to another exponent, you are dealing with the power of a power. This situation requires multiplying the exponents to find the new power.
Consider an example: \( (x^m)^n \) becomes \( x^{m \times n} \). This property allows for further simplification within algebraic expressions and is often used alongside other properties like multiplying or dividing exponents.
Application examples include:
Consider an example: \( (x^m)^n \) becomes \( x^{m \times n} \). This property allows for further simplification within algebraic expressions and is often used alongside other properties like multiplying or dividing exponents.
Application examples include:
- Simplifying nested exponents, such as \( ((x^2)^3) = x^{2 \times 3} = x^6 \).
- Rewriting complex algebraic terms into more manageable forms.
Simplifying Fractions
Simplifying fractions is crucial in algebra to reduce complexity and find a clearer representation of expressions. When working with fractions involving exponents, the same basic principles apply, but with the inclusion of exponent rules.
Steps include:
This not only aids in solving equations but is fundamental for clarity in mathematical communication.
Steps include:
- Multiply or divide the bases: Ensuring to apply exponent rules for combination \( \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} \).
- Simplify negative exponents: Use the reciprocal rules to express them as positive.
- Reduce the fraction: Bring the terms to their simplest form for ease of understanding.
This not only aids in solving equations but is fundamental for clarity in mathematical communication.