Simplify each expression. Write answers without negative exponents. Assume all vari-ables represent nonzero real numbers. See Examples 5 and 6. 48/46
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0. Review of Algebra
Exponents
Problem 71
Textbook Question
Simplify each expression. Write answers without negative exponents. Assume all vari-ables represent nonzero real numbers. See Examples 5 and 6. (5x)-2(5x3)-3/(5-2x-3)-3
Verified step by step guidance1
Rewrite each part of the expression by applying the negative exponents to both the coefficients and the variables inside the parentheses. For example, \((5x)^{-2}\) becomes \$5^{-2} \cdot x^{-2}$, and similarly for the other terms.
Express the entire numerator and denominator as products of powers of 5 and powers of \(x\). This means rewriting \((5x)^-2(5x^3)^{-3}\) as \$5^{-2} x^{-2} \cdot 5^{-3} x^{-9}\(, and the denominator \)(5^{-2} x^{-3})^{-3}\( as \)(5^{-2})^{-3} (x^{-3})^{-3}$.
Simplify the powers in the denominator by multiplying the exponents: \((5^{-2})^{-3} = 5^{6}\) and \((x^{-3})^{-3} = x^{9}\).
Combine all powers of 5 and all powers of \(x\) in the numerator and denominator separately, then write the entire expression as a single fraction with powers of 5 and \(x\).
Use the quotient rule for exponents, which states \(a^{m} / a^{n} = a^{m-n}\), to simplify the fraction by subtracting the exponents of like bases. Finally, rewrite the expression without any negative exponents by converting \(a^{-m}\) to \(\frac{1}{a^{m}}\).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Laws of Exponents
The laws of exponents govern how to simplify expressions involving powers, such as multiplying powers with the same base by adding exponents, dividing by subtracting exponents, and raising a power to another power by multiplying exponents. Understanding these rules is essential for simplifying complex expressions like the one given.
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Rational Exponents
Negative Exponents
Negative exponents indicate the reciprocal of the base raised to the corresponding positive exponent. For example, a^-n = 1/a^n. Converting negative exponents to positive ones is necessary to write the final answer without negative exponents, as requested in the problem.
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Zero and Negative Rules
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions with Variables
Simplifying expressions with variables involves applying exponent rules carefully to each variable and constant separately, combining like terms, and ensuring the final expression is in simplest form. Assumptions about variables being nonzero allow safe manipulation of exponents without division by zero.
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Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
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