Chapter 5: Problem 103
Simplify each expression, if possible. $$ \left(-6 a^{3} b^{2}\right)^{3} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplification of \((-6 a^{3} b^{2})^{3}\) is \(-216a^9b^6\).
Step by step solution
01
Apply the Power of a Power Rule
When raising an expression with exponents to another power, multiply the exponents for each variable. The power of a power rule states: \[(a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n}\]Apply this rule to each term inside the parentheses:\[(-6 a^{3} b^{2})^3 = (-6)^3 (a^{3})^{3} (b^{2})^{3}\]
02
Simplify Each Term
Now simplify each part of the expression:1. For \((-6)^3\), calculate the cube of -6: \[(-6)^3 = -6 \times -6 \times -6 = -216\]2. Apply the power of a power rule to the variables: \[(a^{3})^{3} = a^{3 \cdot 3} = a^9\] \[(b^{2})^{3} = b^{2 \cdot 3} = b^6\]
03
Combine Simplified Terms
Combine all the simplified terms into a single expression:\[(-216) \cdot a^9 \cdot b^6\]The final expression is:\[-216a^9b^6\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
The Power Rule in Exponents
The power rule in exponents is a handy tool when dealing with expressions that have exponents raised to another power. This rule helps you simplify these expressions easily. The power rule states that when you have
- an exponent raised to another exponent, like \( \left( a^m \right)^n \), you can multiply the exponents together to simplify the expression.
- For example, this would become \( a^{m \cdot n} \).
- \( \left( a^3 \right)^3 \) would become \( a^{3 \times 3} \), which simplifies to \( a^9 \).
Simplifying Expressions
Simplifying expressions involves breaking down complex expressions into simpler, more understandable forms. This is essential for solving algebraic equations efficiently. To simplify an expression like \( \left(-6 a^3 b^2 \right)^3 \), follow these steps:
- First, apply the power rule as explained before.
- Next, handle each part within the parentheses separately. Raise \(-6\), \(a^3\), and \(b^2\) to the power of 3.
- Cubing -6 involves calculating \(-6 \times -6 \times -6\), resulting in \(-216\).
- Then, simplify \(a^3\) raised to the power 3 by multiplying exponents: \(3 \times 3 = 9\), so it becomes \(a^9\).
- Similarly, simplify \(b^2\) raised to the power 3: \(2 \times 3 = 6\), making it \(b^6\).
Understanding Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions are a combination of numbers, variables, and operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Understanding expressions like \( \left(-6 a^3 b^2 \right)^3 \) involves recognizing the role of each component:
- **Numbers or coefficients** - these are numerical values that multiply the variables. In our case, \(-6\) is the coefficient.
- **Variables** - symbols, like \(a\) and \(b\), that represent numbers. Variables enable you to create equations that can solve a wide range of problems beyond fixed numbers. Here, \(a^3\) and \(b^2\) show how variables can be raised to powers.
- **Operations** - including powers, addition, and subtraction, dictate how to manipulate these numbers and variables.