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91Ó°ÊÓ

Simplify each expression. Assume that variables represent positive integers. $$ \left(x^{-3 s}\right)^{3} $$

Short Answer

Expert verified
The expression simplifies to \(\frac{1}{x^{9s}}\).

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Expression

We are given the expression \( \left(x^{-3s}\right)^3 \). This is a power of a power problem involving exponents. Our goal is to simplify it.
02

Apply the Power of a Power Rule

The power of a power rule states that \((a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n}\). Applying this rule to \( \left(x^{-3s}\right)^3 \), we multiply the exponents: \((-3s) \times 3 = -9s\). Now the expression simplifies to \(x^{-9s}\).
03

Simplify the Negative Exponent

The expression \(x^{-9s}\) can be simplified using the rule that \(a^{-m} = \frac{1}{a^m}\). Therefore, \(x^{-9s} = \frac{1}{x^{9s}}\).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Power of a Power Rule
In mathematics, the power of a power rule is a fundamental principle when working with exponents. The rule states that when you raise a power to another power, you multiply the exponents together. In a mathematical form, this is written as \[ (a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n} \]where \( a \) is the base, \( m \) is the initial exponent, and \( n \) is the power to which the initial exponent is raised.
  • This rule is particularly useful when you have nested exponents, like \( (x^{m})^{n} \).
  • It simplifies the expression to a single exponent, which can make calculations easier to manage.
  • When applying the power of a power rule, ensure that you correctly multiply the exponents.
For example, in the expression \( (x^{-3s})^3 \), the power of a power rule is applied by multiplying \(-3s\) by \(3\), resulting in an exponent of \(-9s\). This crucial step transforms the complex nested exponent into a more straightforward form, simplifying further calculations.
Negative Exponents
Negative exponents might seem a little daunting at first, but they have a straightforward concept behind them. Simply put, a negative exponent indicates the reciprocal of the base raised to the corresponding positive exponent.
  • If you have \( a^{-m} \), it is equal to \( \frac{1}{a^m} \).
  • This concept reverses the direction of the exponent, essentially flipping the fraction.
  • It's an important rule because it helps convert seemingly complex expressions into fractional forms that are often easier to understand or use in calculations.
So, for our simplified expression \( x^{-9s} \), we utilize the negative exponent rule to convert it to \( \frac{1}{x^{9s}} \). This transformation means that the base \( x \), when raised to \( 9s \), is inverted, making the expression a fraction.
Simplifying Expressions
Simplifying expressions is an essential skill in algebra that helps in reducing mathematical expressions to their simplest form. The goal is to find a way to represent the expression in the most efficient, clear, and concise manner, ensuring that all parts are reduced while maintaining equivalency.
  • It involves using a variety of algebraic rules and properties, such as combining like terms, using exponent rules, and simplifying fractions.
  • Simplifying makes it easier to interpret expressions, perform calculations, and solve equations.
  • In our example, the expression \( (x^{-3s})^3 \) is first simplified by applying the power of a power rule, leading to \( x^{-9s} \).
  • Then, recognizing the negative exponent, it is further simplified to \( \frac{1}{x^{9s}} \).
By breaking down each step, we ensure a comprehensive understanding of how to strategically apply algebraic rules, resulting in a streamlined and efficient expression.

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