How do I simplify these expressions in my maths test?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying algebraic expressions involving variables and exponents, as encountered in a recent maths test. The specific expressions under consideration involve ratios of polynomial terms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of simplifying the given expressions, suggesting the use of fraction cancellation and the importance of proper notation. There are inquiries about how to represent the expressions clearly, including the use of parentheses and LaTeX formatting.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the simplification process and emphasized the need for clarity in mathematical notation. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct methods to simplify the expressions, with no consensus on the final answers yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of accurately representing exponents and the potential for misunderstanding if parentheses are not used correctly. There is also mention of the original poster's confusion regarding their answers compared to expected results.

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
[tex]\frac{4u^3v^6}{8u^2v^3}= \frac{4}{8}\frac{u^3}{u^2}\frac{v^6}{v^3}[/tex]

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
[tex]\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}[/tex]

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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