Q. Express the following fraction in simplest form, only using positive exponents.−4(a−2)220a7Answer:
Simplify Denominator: Simplify the denominator.The denominator is −4(a−2)2. We need to apply the power of a power rule, which states that (am)n=am∗n. So, (a−2)2=a−2∗2=a−4.Calculation: −4(a−2)2=−4×a−4
Rewrite Negative Exponent: Rewrite the negative exponent as a positive exponent.To convert a negative exponent to a positive exponent, we use the rule a−n=an1. So, a−4 becomes a41.Calculation: −4×a−4=−4×(a41)
Divide Numerator by Denominator: Simplify the fraction by dividing the numerator by the denominator.Now we divide 20a7 by −4×(1/a4). This is the same as multiplying 20a7 by the reciprocal of the denominator.Calculation: (20a7)/(−4×(1/a4))=20a7×(−1/4)×a4
Multiply Coefficients and Variables: Multiply the coefficients and the variables separately.We multiply the coefficients 20 and −41, and then we use the property of exponents am⋅an=am+n to multiply a7 and a4.Calculation: 20⋅(−41)=−5 and a7⋅a4=a7+4=a11
Combine Results: Combine the results to get the final answer.We combine the coefficient −5 with the variable part a11.Calculation: −5×a11
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