Q. Express the following fraction in simplest form, only using positive exponents.−3w−3(2w−4)3Answer:
Rewrite with positive exponents: Rewrite the expression with positive exponents.We have the expression −3w−3(2w−4)3. To simplify, we first rewrite the negative exponents as positive by moving the terms to the opposite side of the fraction.(23⋅w−4⋅3)/(−3⋅w−3)=(8⋅w−12)/(−3⋅w−3)=(−38)⋅(w−3w−12)
Simplify numerical part: Simplify the numerical part of the fraction.We simplify the numerical part of the fraction by dividing 8 by −3.(8/−3)=−8/3
Apply quotient rule for exponents: Apply the quotient rule for exponents.We simplify the variable part of the fraction using the quotient rule for exponents, which states that am/an=a(m−n) when m > n.w(−12)/w(−3)=w(−12−(−3))=w(−12+3)=w(−9)
Rewrite with positive exponents: Rewrite the expression with positive exponents.We have w−9, which we can rewrite with a positive exponent by moving it to the denominator.w−9=w91
Combine numerical and variable parts: Combine the numerical and variable parts.Now we combine the numerical part from Step 2 and the variable part from Step 4.−38×w91=−3w98
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