Simplify and leave in positive exponent.

Thread starter Jenninifer
Start date Sep 17, 2008
Tags

Exponent Positive Simplify

In summary, simplifying an expression with positive exponents involves combining like terms, reducing fractions, and eliminating unnecessary parentheses. To determine which terms to combine, look for terms with the same base and add or subtract their exponents. To simplify an expression with negative exponents, rewrite it with positive exponents and then follow the same steps. Expressions with parentheses can be simplified using the distributive property. It is important to leave expressions in positive exponents for easier comparison and computation, as well as following the standard convention for writing and simplifying mathematical expressions.

Sep 17, 2008

Jenninifer

Homework Statement

(3xy^3)(4x^-3y^-2)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

= 12y
-----
x^2

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Sep 17, 2008

edziura

Correct.

Sep 17, 2008

Jenninifer

Oh thank you

1. What does it mean to "simplify" an expression with positive exponents?

Simplifying an expression with positive exponents means to rewrite it in a more condensed form by combining like terms, reducing fractions, and eliminating unnecessary parentheses.

2. How do I determine which terms to combine when simplifying an expression with positive exponents?

When simplifying an expression, look for terms with the same base and add or subtract their exponents. For example, in the expression 2³x² + 2⁴x², the terms with x² can be combined to give 2³x² + 2⁴x² = 2³⁺⁴x² = 2⁷x².

3. How do I simplify an expression with negative exponents?

To simplify an expression with negative exponents, first rewrite it with positive exponents by moving the terms with negative exponents to the opposite side of the fraction bar. Then, follow the same steps as simplifying an expression with positive exponents.

4. Can I simplify an expression with parentheses and positive exponents?

Yes, parentheses can be simplified by using the distributive property. For example, in the expression (2x)³, the exponent 3 applies to both 2 and x, so it can be rewritten as 2³x³ = 8x³.

5. Why is it important to leave expressions in positive exponents?

Leaving expressions in positive exponents allows for easier comparison and computation. It also follows the standard convention for writing and simplifying mathematical expressions.