Chapter 1: Problem 14
Simplify. $$\frac{\left(2 x^{2}\right)^{3}}{4 x^{4}}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified form is \(2x^2\).
Step by step solution
01
Expand the Numerator
Begin by expanding the expression in the numerator. The term \((2x^2)^3\) indicates that we need to cube both the constant \(2\) and the variable part \(x^2\). This results in: \[(2^3)\cdot(x^{2\cdot3}) = 8x^6\].
02
Write the Full Expression
Substitute the expanded form of the numerator back into the original expression to get: \[\frac{8x^6}{4x^4}\].
03
Simplify the Coefficient
Divide the numerical coefficients 8 by 4: \[\frac{8}{4} = 2\]. This simplifies the expression to: \[\frac{2x^6}{x^4}\].
04
Simplify the Exponents
Apply the rule of subtraction for exponents when dividing like bases: \[x^6 \div x^4 = x^{6-4} = x^2\].
05
Write the Simplified Expression
Combine insights from previous steps to arrive at the simplified form: \[2x^2\].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Exponent Rules
Exponents are a shorthand notation for expressing repeated multiplication of a number by itself. Let's simplify how they work. When you see an expression like
- \((a^m)^n\), you apply the rule to multiply the exponents together: \(a^{m \cdot n}\).
- For multiplication with the same base, you'll add the exponents: \(x^m \cdot x^n = x^{m+n}\).
- For division with the same base, you subtract the exponents: \(\frac{x^m}{x^n} = x^{m-n}\).
The Art of Algebraic Simplification
Algebraic simplification reduces an expression to its simplest form, making complex work easier. It involves a step-by-step reduction of terms. Start by identifying similar terms that can be combined or cancelled.
- You look for opportunities to factor numbers and variables when possible.
- Simplifying coefficients, such as dividing \(\frac{8}{4} = 2\), helps reduce complexity.
Navigating Rational Expressions
Rational expressions are fractions in which the numerator and/or the denominator are polynomials. Simplifying these expressions is similar to simplifying numeric fractions. Follow these steps:
- First, expand and simplify both the numerator and the denominator, if needed.
- Look for common factors that can be cancelled. Remove commonalities following algebraic simplification steps.
- Simplify the coefficients and apply the exponent rules to the variables.