# Fractions, Exponents, and x

1. ### tunaizgood

1
Fractions, Exponents, and x :(

I simply just don't get fractions and exponents
i was given this problem:
[6x^(4/5)-3x(2/3)]/3x^(1/3)
i haven't gotten anywhere and i'm stuck
help

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3. ### arildno

12,015
Re: Fractions, Exponents, and x :(

What problem?

What are you supposed to do?

All you have done so far is to present an expression.
What are you supposed to do with it?

Paint the expression on a subway station, perhaps?
(That would be easy, but technically illegal)

4. ### HallsofIvy

40,241
Staff Emeritus
Re: Fractions, Exponents, and x :(

Is there supposed to be a "^" before the 2/3?

So this is
$$\frac{6x^{\frac{4}{5}}- 3x^{\frac{2}{3}}}{3x^{\frac{1}{3}}}$$
and you want to simplify it? I would start by factoring out a "3"
$$\frac{3(2x^{\frac{4}{5}}- x^{\frac{2}{3}})}{3x^{\frac{1}{3}}}$$
$$=\frac{2x^{\frac{4}{5}}- x^{\frac{2}{3}}}{x^{\frac{1}{3}}}$$
Now write the $x^{1/3}$ in the denominator as $x^{-1/3}$ in the numerator and use the "laws of exponents": $x^ax^b= x^{a+b}$