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Algebra 1 R. 11 Simplify exponential expressions using exponent rules LNK Simplify. Express your answer using positive exponents.

Ask by Murray Bright. in the United States
Jan 29,2025

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Simplify the expression using exponent rules: \[ \frac{2x^{-3} \times y^4}{4x^2y^{-1}} = \frac{y^5}{2x^5} \] All exponents are positive.

Solution

Sure, I'd be happy to help you simplify an exponential expression using exponent rules! To provide the most accurate assistance, could you please share the specific expression you'd like to simplify? In the meantime, here's a quick overview of some essential exponent rules that might be useful: 1. **Product of Powers Rule**: \[ a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n} \] *When multiplying like bases, you add the exponents.* 2. **Quotient of Powers Rule**: \[ \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} \] *When dividing like bases, you subtract the exponents.* 3. **Power of a Power Rule**: \[ (a^m)^n = a^{m \times n} \] *When raising a power to another power, you multiply the exponents.* 4. **Power of a Product Rule**: \[ (ab)^n = a^n \times b^n \] *When raising a product to a power, you raise each factor to that power.* 5. **Negative Exponent Rule**: \[ a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} \] *A negative exponent indicates the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent.* 6. **Zero Exponent Rule**: \[ a^0 = 1 \quad (\text{for } a \neq 0) \] *Any non-zero base raised to the zero power is 1.* ### **Example Problem** Let's go through an example to illustrate how to apply these rules: **Simplify the expression and ensure all exponents are positive:** \[ \frac{2x^{-3} \times y^4}{4x^2y^{-1}} \] **Step 1: Simplify the coefficients** \[ \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2} \] **Step 2: Apply the Quotient of Powers Rule to the variables** For \( x \): \[ \frac{x^{-3}}{x^2} = x^{-3-2} = x^{-5} \] For \( y \): \[ \frac{y^4}{y^{-1}} = y^{4 - (-1)} = y^{5} \] **Step 3: Combine the simplified parts** \[ \frac{1}{2} \times x^{-5} \times y^5 = \frac{y^5}{2x^5} \] **Final Answer:** \[ \frac{y^5}{2x^5} \] All exponents are now positive. --- Feel free to provide the specific expression you're working on, and I can guide you through the simplification process step by step!

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Mind Expander

Exponential expressions can be simplified by applying several key exponent rules. For instance, when multiplying two expressions with the same base, you add the exponents (a^m * a^n = a^(m+n)). Conversely, when dividing, you subtract the exponents (a^m / a^n = a^(m-n)). Additionally, any base raised to a negative exponent can be flipped to its reciprocal and expressed positively (a^-n = 1/a^n). For real-world application, simplifying exponential expressions is crucial in fields such as finance and science, particularly in calculating compound interest or analyzing population growth. For example, when computing interest on an investment, the formula A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt) relies on simplifying exponential terms to provide clear and actionable financial insights.

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