Q. The expression x31y−1x−2y21, where x>1 and y>1, is
Combine x terms: We have the expression x31y−1x−2y21. To simplify, we will use the properties of exponents to combine the x terms and the y terms separately.
Simplify x terms: First, we simplify the x terms using the property of exponents that states when dividing like bases, we subtract the exponents: xbxa=x(a−b). So, for the x terms, we have x31x−2=x(−2−31).
Simplify y terms: To subtract the exponents, we need a common denominator. The common denominator for 2 (which is 12) and 31 is 3. So we convert −2 to −36 to get the same denominator as 31. Now we have x(−36−31)=x(−37).
Combine y terms: Next, we simplify the y terms using the same property of exponents: y1/2/y−1=y1/2+1.
Combine x and y terms: Adding the exponents for y terms, we get y(1/2+2/2)=y3/2.
Final expression: Now we combine the simplified x and y terms to get the final simplified expression: x(−7/3)⋅y(3/2).
Problem completion: Since the question prompt asks for the expression to be simplified and we have done so, we have completed the problem.
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