How do I simplify these expressions in my maths test?

AI Thread Summary
To simplify the expressions provided in the maths test, the first expression, 4u^3v^6 / 8u^2v^3, simplifies to (1/2)uv^3 by canceling common factors. The second expression, 3x^6y^5z^3 / 9x^4y^2z, simplifies to (1/3)x^2y^3z^2 through similar cancellation. Proper notation is essential, using parentheses to clarify which terms are raised to powers. Additionally, using LaTeX or specific tags for exponents can enhance clarity in mathematical communication. Understanding these simplification techniques is crucial for accurate answers in future tests.
Gringo123
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I got the following 2 questions in a recent maths test. Can anyone please explain the correct way to simplify these expressions?

4u to the power of 3 v to the power of 6 / 8u to the power of 2 v to the power of 3

3x to the power of 6 y to the power of 5 z to the power of 3 / 9x to the power of 4 y to the power of 2 z

I know that the answers are:
uv to the power of 3 / 2
and
x to the power of 2 y to the power of 3 z to the power of 2 / 3

... which were nothing like my answers!
Thanks
 
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Hi Gringo123! :smile:

erm :redface: … first write it out in maths instead of in English … that alone may help you!

(and use the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)

Then show us what you've done, so we'll know how to help! :smile:
 
Gringo123 said:
I got the following 2 questions in a recent maths test. Can anyone please explain the correct way to simplify these expressions?

4u to the power of 3 v to the power of 6 / 8u to the power of 2 v to the power of 3
I think you mean
\frac{4u^3v^6}{8u^2v^3}= \frac{4}{8}\frac{u^3}{u^2}\frac{v^6}{v^3}

cancel in each fraction.

3x to the power of 6 y to the power of 5 z to the power of 3 / 9x to the power of 4 y to the power of 2 z
\frac{3x^6 y^5z^3}{9x^4y^2z}= \frac{3}{9}\frac{x^6}{x^2}\frac{y^5}{y^2}\frac{z^3}{z}

Again, cancel in each fraction.

I know that the answers are:
uv to the power of 3 / 2
and
x to the power of 2 y to the power of 3 z to the power of 2 / 3

... which were nothing like my answers!
Thanks
I've done those using "LaTex" but you can also get exponents with [ sup ] and [ /sup ] (without the spaces) x[ sup ]2[ /sup ] gives x2. Or you can indicate exponents with ^: x^2. Oh, and please use parentheses so we can be sure you mean 4(u^3), not (4u^3).
 
HallsofIvy said:
Oh, and please use parentheses so we can be sure you mean 4(u^3), not (4u^3).

And while 4(u^3)=(4u^3) be sure to use parenthesis to indicate the power is only on u.
for e.g. 4u^3 is read as 4*u^3 while (4u)^3 is read as 4^3*u^3.
 
Thanks a lot for your help!
 
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