Chapter 5: Problem 100
Will help you prepare for the material covered in the next section. Simplify: \(\frac{\left(2 x^{3}\right)^{4}}{x^{10}}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified form of the given expression \(\frac{(2 x^{3})^{4}}{x^{10}}\) is \(16 * x^2\)
Step by step solution
01
Apply the power of a product law
According to the power of a product law, we have \( (ab)^n = a^n * b^n \). Let's apply this law in our problem, where \a = 2, \b = x^3, and \n = 4\. Therefore, \( (2x^3)^4 = 2^4 * (x^3)^4 \)
02
Apply the power of a power law
According to the power of a power law, we have \( (a^n)^m = a^{n*m} \). Let's apply this law in our problem, where \a = 2, \n = 3, and \m = 4. Therefore, \( (x^3)^4 = x^{3*4} \)
03
Combine the results of steps 1 and 2
The expression \(\frac{(2 x^{3})^{4}}{x^{10}} = \frac{2^{4} * x^{3*4}}{x^{10}}\). Replace \(2^{4} = 16\) and \( x^{3*4} = x^{12}\) to get \(\frac{16 * x^{12}}{x^{10}}\)
04
Apply the law of dividing powers with the same base
According to this law, \( \frac{a^n}{a^m} = a^{n-m} \). Let's apply this law in our problem, where \a = x, \n = 12, and \m = 10. Therefore, \( \frac{16 * x^{12}}{x^{10}} = 16 * x^{12-10} \)
05
Final Simplification
Replace \(x^{12-10} = x^2\) to get the simplified form of the given expression, which is \(16 * x^2\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Laws of Exponents
Understanding exponents is crucial in algebra. Exponents are a shorthand way to express repeated multiplication of the same number or variable. The laws of exponents help in simplifying algebraic expressions efficiently. Let's go through three primary rules:
- Multiplying powers with the same base: When you multiply two numbers that have the same base, you add their powers. For instance, \( a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n} \).
- Dividing powers with the same base: When you divide numbers with the same base, you subtract the exponent of the denominator from the exponent of the numerator. This is shown as \( \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} \).
- Power of a power law: This states that when raising a power to another power, you multiply the exponents. For example, \( (a^m)^n = a^{m\times n} \).
Simplification of Expressions
Simplifying algebraic expressions involves reducing them into their simplest form while keeping the value unchanged. It helps in solving algebra problems more efficiently and effectively. Here's a simple breakdown of the process:
- Identify like terms: Combine terms that have identical variable parts. This makes the equation easier to manage.
- Apply laws of exponents: This involves using exponent rules like the power of a product law and dividing powers law to simplify expressions involving exponents.
- Perform arithmetic operations: Carry out any needed operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to simplify the numbers.
- Recheck your work: Ensure that no further simplification can be done, and verify the calculations for accuracy.
Power of a Product Law
The power of a product law is integral to simplifying expressions where a product is raised to an exponent. This law states that when a product is raised to a power, each factor of the product is raised to that power individually. For example, if you have \((ab)^n\), this becomes \(a^n \times b^n\). Here's a closer look at how it works:
- Identify the product: Recognize the factors being multiplied together inside the parentheses.
- Apply the power: Distribute the exponent to each factor. For instance, \((2x^3)^4\) becomes \(2^4 \times (x^3)^4\).
- Simplify further if possible: Use other exponent laws, like the power of a power law, to simplify further, as done with \((x^3)^4 = x^{12}\).