Q. Express the following fraction in simplest form, only using positive exponents.−5y3(−4y4)2Answer:
Identify Base and Exponents: Write down the given expression and identify the base and exponents.The given expression is ((−4y4)2)/(−5y3).Here, we have a power to a power for the numerator, which means we will multiply the exponents, and a negative base for the denominator.
Apply Power to Power Rule: Apply the power to a power rule to the numerator.((−4y4)2)=(−4)2×(y4)2According to the power to a power rule, (am)n=am×n.So, we have (−4)2×y4×2=16×y8.
Simplify Denominator: Simplify the denominator.The denominator is −5y3. Since we want only positive exponents, we leave the denominator as it is because the exponent on y is already positive.
Combine Numerator and Denominator: Combine the simplified numerator and denominator.Now we have 16×y8 for the numerator and −5y3 for the denominator.So, the expression becomes (16×y8)/(−5y3).
Divide Coefficients and Subtract Exponents: Divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents of like bases.Divide 16 by −5 to get −516.Subtract the exponents of y: y(8−3)=y5.The expression now is (−516)y5.
Write Final Simplified Expression: Write the final simplified expression.The final simplified expression is 5−16y5.
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