Chapter 5: Problem 74
Use the power of a product rule for exponents to simplify each expression. $$ \left(-\frac{1}{4} t^{3} u^{8}\right)^{2} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified expression is \(\frac{1}{16} \, t^{6} \, u^{16}\).
Step by step solution
01
Apply the Power of a Product Rule
The power of a product rule states that \[(a \, b)^{m} = a^{m} \, b^{m}\]Let's apply this to each factor inside the parentheses, \[\left(-\frac{1}{4} t^{3} u^{8}\right)^{2} = \left(-\frac{1}{4}\right)^{2} \, (t^{3})^{2} \, (u^{8})^{2}\]
02
Simplify the Coefficient
For the coefficient part, we need to find \[\left(-\frac{1}{4}\right)^{2}\].Squaring both the numerator and the denominator, we have:\[\left(-\frac{1}{4}\right)^{2} = \frac{1}{16}\]
03
Simplify the Power of t
For \[(t^{3})^{2}\],apply the power of a power rule \((a^{m})^{n} = a^{m \cdot n}\):\[(t^{3})^{2} = t^{6}\]
04
Simplify the Power of u
For \[(u^{8})^{2}\],apply the power of a power rule \((a^{m})^{n} = a^{m \cdot n}\):\[(u^{8})^{2} = u^{16}\]
05
Combine the Results
Now combine all the simplified parts together:\[\frac{1}{16} \, t^{6} \, u^{16}\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Simplifying Exponents
In mathematics, exponents are a powerful tool that allows us to express repeated multiplication of a number. Simplifying these exponents is the process of rewriting them in a more manageable form, making calculations easier and more efficient. This usually involves using certain properties of exponents to transform complex expressions into simpler ones.
- The Power of a Product Rule is useful when you have an expression like \( (a \cdot b)^m \), which allows you to distribute the exponent across the product. It simplifies into \( a^m \cdot b^m \).
- We often need to manage fractional coefficients when simplifying, especially if they are raised to a power, e.g., \( \left(-\frac{1}{4}\right)^2 = \frac{1}{16} \). Simplify by applying the power separately to the numerator and the denominator.
- Remember to apply the same power to variables like \( t^3 \) and \( u^8 \) as shown in the example, making sure not to forget multiplying the exponents to simplify them.
Algebraic Expressions
An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can contain numbers, variables, and operators (such as addition and multiplication). These expressions are like math sentences that you can manipulate and simplify.
- When dealing with expressions inside parentheses, address each part separately before putting them back together. This ensures accuracy in complex expressions.
- The presence of variables like \( t \) and \( u \) means the expression is dynamic, changing values based on different inputs.
- Understand that coefficients (e.g., \( -\frac{1}{4} \)) will multiply or divide variables, affecting the entire expression.
Power of a Power Rule
The Power of a Power Rule is a fundamental exponent rule important for simplifying expressions where a term in the base is already an exponent. The rule is articulated as \( (a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n} \), emphasizing the multiplication of the exponents.
- It's essential to apply this rule in steps to avoid mistakes, especially when multiple variables and terms with exponents are involved.
- For instance, in the expression \( (t^3)^2 \), apply the rule to get \( t^{3 \cdot 2} = t^6 \).
- Once each term is simplified by using this rule, combining all parts will give a clear, simplified result.