Negative Fractional Exponent problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the expression 3x(3x^(-1/3))^3, which simplifies to 81. The key steps involve recognizing that (3x^(-1/3))^3 equals 3^3/x, leading to the cancellation of x terms. The final calculation confirms that 27 multiplied by 3 results in 81, provided that x is not zero.

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jdoyle
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Hi All,

Can anyone walk me through this problem. This is from an old med school entry test.

The answer is 81 but I can't work out how the x terms cancel.



3x(3x^ -1/3)^3

Thanks in advance

John
 
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\frac{3x}{(^3\sqrt{x})^3}3^3=\frac{3x}{x}3^3=27*3=81

Given of course that x is not 0.
 
Hi Meldraft,

It looks so simple I don't know why I didn't do it that way. Thanks very much.

John
 
It's very easy to put that 3^3 in the denominator by accident :wink:
 

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