[ASK] Exponents and Roots Simplification problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of an expression involving exponents and roots, specifically the evaluation of a complex fraction with variables x and y. Participants are attempting to determine the correct value of the expression given specific numerical inputs, while also addressing potential errors in the original problem statement.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in simplifying the expression and questions the validity of the number 7 in the original problem.
  • Another participant provides a simplified version of the expression and notes that the evaluation yields a negative result, which contradicts the positive options provided.
  • There is speculation about potential errors in the original expression, including possible omissions or sign errors.
  • A participant suggests reverse engineering the expression to fit one of the answer choices, although they express reluctance to do so without knowing the correct answer.
  • Further contributions indicate that the original expression may have been modified to align with one of the answer choices, raising questions about the integrity of the problem.
  • Some participants express frustration with the complexity of the problem and the potential for errors in the original formulation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there may be an error in the original expression, but there is no consensus on what specifically needs to be changed or how to proceed with the simplification. Multiple competing views on the validity of the expression and the approach to solving it remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing assumptions or errors in the original problem statement, which complicate the simplification process. Participants have not reached a definitive conclusion about the correct form of the expression or the expected answer.

Monoxdifly
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The result of $$\frac{7x-\frac92\sqrt[6]{y^5}}{\left(x^{\frac56}-6y^{-\frac13}\right)x^{-2}}$$ for x = 4 and y = 27 is ...
a. $$\left(1+2\sqrt2\right)9\sqrt2$$
b. $$\left(1+2\sqrt2\right)9\sqrt3$$
c. $$\left(1+2\sqrt2\right)18\sqrt3$$
d. $$\left(1+2\sqrt2\right)27\sqrt2$$
e. $$\left(1+2\sqrt2\right)27\sqrt3$$

I got stuck at $$\frac{56-3^2\left(3^{\frac52}\right)}{2^-{\frac43}-2^{-2}}$$ and don't know how to continue to reach one of the options. By the way, don't you think that 7 is suspicious?
 
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I simplified the original expression to $\dfrac{4(56-81\sqrt{3})}{\sqrt[3]{4}-1}$

Note evaluation of the original numerator ...

$28 - \frac{9}{2} \cdot 27^{5/6} \approx -42.1481$

evaluation of the denominator ...

$(4^{5/6} - 6\cdot 27^{-1/3}) \cdot \frac{1}{16} \approx 0.0734$

Division would yield a negative value. Clearly, all choices are positive. Maybe a typo or other error with the original expression?
 
skeeter said:
Division would yield a negative value. Clearly, all choices are positive. Maybe a typo or other error with the original expression?

According to you, what part of the question should be gotten rid of to reach one of the options?
 
Monoxdifly said:
According to you, what part of the question should be gotten rid of to reach one of the options?

Something is in error with the original expression. Could be an omission, a sign error, a coefficient error, an error in one or more exponents, or a combination of the aforementioned.

You can make an attempt to reverse engineer the original expression to fit one of the choices if you have the time and the inclination.
 
skeeter said:
You can make an attempt to reverse engineer the original expression to fit one of the choices if you have the time and the inclination.

I don't. Especially when I don't even know what's the supposed right answer. Not going to waste my time reverse-engineering up to five options. Gonna raise my white flag.
 
skeeter said:
I simplified the original expression to $\dfrac{4(56-81\sqrt{3})}{\sqrt[3]{4}-1}$
I can duplicate Skeeters answer. I wouldn't have had the patience to try simplifying the original expression if Skeeter hadn't already given the answer. It was very tedious and I had to go over it several times to correct mistakes. They must make software to do this.
 
Mr.Fly, you posted a "bad" expression, obviously.

Go stand in the corner for y minutes...
 
Monoxdifly said:
By the way, don't you think that 7 is suspicious?
Well, if that 7 was 20, then you'd be "in the range", with result = ~134.17,
between 3rd choice of ~119.36 and 4th choice of ~146.18.
 
  • #10
Holy crappy!

So numerator: 7 * x * 9^(1/2) * y^(5/6)
denominator : [x^(5/4) - 6 * y^(-1/3)] * x^(1/2)

which matches the 5th choice...

Remind me not to look at any of your future equations :)
 
  • #12
Wilmer said:
Remind me not to look at any of your future equations :)

Dude, that's harsh!
 
  • #13
Monoxdifly said:
Dude, that's harsh!
No...no...I said that with my heart :)
 

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