Simplify the following problem with exponents

In summary, to simplify the expression ((64m^-36)(n^-15)(p^9))^(2/3), we first apply the rule (ab)^n = a^n * b^n and get (64)^(2/3)(m^-36)^(2/3)(n^-15)^(2/3)(p^9)^(2/3). Then, using the rule (a^nb)^x = a^(nx) * b^x, we get (64^(2/3))(m^-24)(n^-10)(p^6). Simplifying further, we can rewrite 64^(2/3) as 16 and move the variables with negative exponents to the denominator with
  • #1
TayTayDatDude
24
0

Homework Statement


Simplify. Express final answers with positive exponents.

((64m^-36)(n^-15)(p^9)) ^ (2/3)

Homework Equations


[tex]\sqrt[3]{}[/tex] ((64m^-36)(n^-15)(p^9)) ^ 2


The Attempt at a Solution



((4m^-36)(n^-15)(p^9))^2
= (16m^-36)(n^-15)(p^9)

= 1/(16m^36)(n^15)(p^-9)

I can't seem to rid the negative exponents. It would be amazing if someone could find me a page which shows the laws and helps me with this kinda stuff. thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


ok you have the wrong idea of how the power outside the entire expression works.

[tex](ab)^n=a^nb^n[/tex]

So: [tex][(64m^{-36})(n^{-15})(p^9)]^{\frac{2}{3}}[/tex]
becomes
[tex](64m^{-36})^{\frac{2}{3}}(n^{-15})^{\frac{2}{3}}(p^9)^{\frac{2}{3}}[/tex]

and remember the rule must be applied again for each part.
It works like this:
[tex](ab^x)^n=a^nb^{xn}[/tex]

As for making all the exponents positive, you don't need to take all the terms into the denominator. For the 3 pronumerals in the question, you only need to take 2 pronumerals and you are allowed to do that.

e.g. [tex]a^xb^{-x}c^{-y}=\frac{a^x}{b^xc^y}[/tex]
 
  • #3


Mentallic said:
ok you have the wrong idea of how the power outside the entire expression works.

[tex](ab)^n=a^nb^n[/tex]

So: [tex][(64m^{-36})(n^{-15})(p^9)]^{\frac{2}{3}}[/tex]
becomes
[tex](64m^{-36})^{\frac{2}{3}}(n^{-15})^{\frac{2}{3}}(p^9)^{\frac{2}{3}}[/tex]

and remember the rule must be applied again for each part.
It works like this:
[tex](ab^x)^n=a^nb^{xn}[/tex]

As for making all the exponents positive, you don't need to take all the terms into the denominator. For the 3 pronumerals in the question, you only need to take 2 pronumerals and you are allowed to do that.

e.g. [tex]a^xb^{-x}c^{-y}=\frac{a^x}{b^xc^y}[/tex]

I guess I wrote it wrong, but it's [tex](64m^{-36}n^{-15}p^9)^{\frac{2}{3}}[/tex]
 
  • #4


TayTayDatDude said:
I guess I wrote it wrong, but it's [tex](64m^{-36}n^{-15}p^9)^{\frac{2}{3}}[/tex]

Also, would [tex]{(-2x^{-3}y)(-12x^{-4}y^{-2}) / {6xy^{-3}}[/tex]

= [tex]1/4x^{-6}y^2[/tex]

If so, how do I make the exponents positive??
 
  • #5


TayTayDatDude said:
Also, would [tex]{(-2x^{-3}y)(-12x^{-4}y^{-2}) / {6xy^{-3}}[/tex]

= [tex]1/4x^{-6}y^2[/tex]

If so, how do I make the exponents positive??
No.
In the numerator you have (-2)(-12) = 24, and in the denominator you have 6. You should get 24/6 = 4, not 1/4 for the numeric coefficient.

The exponent on x is -3 + (-4) - 1 = -8.
The exponent on y is 2.
To make an exponent positive, replace the exponential factor by its reciprocal. For example, 2x^(-2) = 2*(1/x^2) = 2/(x^2).
 
  • #6


Mentallic said:
ok you have the wrong idea of how the power outside the entire expression works.

[tex](ab)^n=a^nb^n[/tex]

So: [tex][(64m^{-36})(n^{-15})(p^9)]^{\frac{2}{3}}[/tex]
becomes
[tex](64m^{-36})^{\frac{2}{3}}(n^{-15})^{\frac{2}{3}}(p^9)^{\frac{2}{3}}[/tex]

and remember the rule must be applied again for each part.
It works like this:
[tex](ab^x)^n=a^nb^{xn}[/tex]

As for making all the exponents positive, you don't need to take all the terms into the denominator. For the 3 pronumerals in the question, you only need to take 2 pronumerals and you are allowed to do that.

e.g. [tex]a^xb^{-x}c^{-y}=\frac{a^x}{b^xc^y}[/tex]

I got p^18/16m^72n^30

Is it right? :)
 
  • #7


Not even close.
You started with [tex](64m^{-36}n^{-15}p^9)^{\frac{2}{3}}[/tex]
That's going to be [tex]64^{2/3}m^{-36 * 2/3}n^{-15*2/3}p^{9*2/3}[/tex]

For now, simplify 64^(2/3), which is the same as the cube root of 64, squared, and get exponents on the variables that are integers.

After you do that, any variables that have negative exponents can be put in the denominator with positive exponents.
 
  • #8


TayTayDatDude said:
I guess I wrote it wrong, but it's [tex](64m^{-36}n^{-15}p^9)^{\frac{2}{3}}[/tex]

This is exactly the same as what you posted in your first post. The extra brackets for each pronumeral make no difference.

We have [tex](64m^{-36})^{\frac{2}{3}}(n^{-15})^{\frac{2}{3}}(p^9)^{\frac{2}{3}}[/tex]

Again, use the rule that [tex](a^nb)^x=a^{nx}b^x[/tex]
This must be used for each and every part. See if you can apply this idea to the problem above.
 
  • #9


I got

(p^6) / (16m^24)(n^10)
 
  • #10


Here is the result, step by step:

[tex][(64m^{-36})(n^{-15})(p^9)] ^ {2/3}[/tex]

[tex]64^{2/3}*m^{-24}*n^{-10}*p^6[/tex]

[tex]64=2^6[/tex]

[tex]64^{2/3}=2^{6*2/3}=2^4=16[/tex]

[tex]16*\frac{1}{m^{24}}*\frac{1}{n^{10}}*p^6[/tex]

[tex]\frac{16*p^6}{m^{24}*n^{10}}[/tex]

[tex](\frac{4*p^3}{m^{12}*n^{5}})^2[/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #11


Uhm, the last statement does not equal the one above it..
 
  • #12


Sorry, I got problems with LaTeX code, now it is ok. It should be:

[tex](\frac{4*p^3}{m^{12}*n^{5}})^2[/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #13


TayTayDatDude said:
Uhm, the last statement does not equal the one above it..
The last expression (not statement) DOES equal the one above.
 
  • #14


Mark44 said:
The last expression (not statement) DOES equal the one above.

Yes, now it does. Please care to read his edit.
 

1. What are exponents?

Exponents are a mathematical notation that show how many times a number is multiplied by itself.

2. Why do we use exponents?

Exponents are used to simplify and write large numbers in a more compact form. They are also used in many mathematical operations, such as multiplication and division.

3. How do you simplify a problem with exponents?

To simplify a problem with exponents, you can use the rules of exponents, such as the product rule, quotient rule, and power rule. These rules help to make the problem easier to solve by reducing the number of terms.

4. Can you provide an example of simplifying a problem with exponents?

Sure, for example, the problem 2^3 * 2^2 can be simplified using the product rule to become 2^(3+2) or 2^5. This is because when multiplying terms with the same base, you can add the exponents together.

5. Are there any common mistakes to avoid when simplifying problems with exponents?

Yes, one common mistake is forgetting to apply the rules of exponents and treating the exponents as regular numbers. Another mistake is not following the correct order of operations, which can lead to incorrect solutions.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • General Math
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
549
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
7
Views
2K
Back
Top