Calculate (8×9×5×3)^(-2): Solving a Negative Exponent Problem

Power Rules with Multiple Factor Products

(8×9×5×3)2= (8\times9\times5\times3)^{-2}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:11 Let's simplify the expression together.
00:14 We'll use a formula for multiplying powers.
00:18 Any multiplication raised to an exponent, N,
00:22 equals each number to the power of N separately.
00:26 Now, let's apply this formula in our exercise.
00:31 And that gives us the solution to our question!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

(8×9×5×3)2= (8\times9\times5\times3)^{-2}=

2

Step-by-step solution

We begin by applying the power rule to the products within the parentheses:

(zt)n=zntn (z\cdot t)^n=z^n\cdot t^n

That is, the power applied to a product within parentheses is applied to each of the terms when the parentheses are opened,

We apply the rule to the given problem:

(8953)2=82925232 (8\cdot9\cdot5\cdot3)^{-2}=8^{-2}\cdot9^{-2}\cdot5^{-2}\cdot3^{-2}

Therefore, the correct answer is option c.

Note:

Whilst it could be understood that the above power rule applies only to two terms of the product within parentheses, in reality, it is also valid for the power over a multiplication of multiple terms within parentheses, as was seen in the above problem.

A good exercise is to demonstrate that if the previous property is valid for a power over a product of two terms within parentheses (as formulated above), then it is also valid for a power over several terms of the product within parentheses (for example - three terms, etc.).

3

Final Answer

82×92×52×32 8^{-2}\times9^{-2}\times5^{-2}\times3^{-2}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Power Rule: Distribute exponents to each factor in a product
  • Technique: Apply (ab)n=anbn (a \cdot b)^n = a^n \cdot b^n to all terms
  • Check: Count factors: 4 original terms should give 4 terms with exponents ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Applying the exponent to only one factor
    Don't apply -2 to just one number like 8×9×5×32 8 \times 9 \times 5 \times 3^{-2} = wrong distribution! This ignores the power rule and gives incorrect results. Always apply the exponent to every single factor in the product.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 112^0=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does the exponent apply to each number separately?

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The power rule for products states that (ab)n=anbn (a \cdot b)^n = a^n \cdot b^n . When you have a product raised to a power, the exponent must be distributed to every factor in that product.

What if I just calculate the product first, then apply the exponent?

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You could do that! 8×9×5×3=1080 8 \times 9 \times 5 \times 3 = 1080 , so 10802=110802 1080^{-2} = \frac{1}{1080^2} . But the question asks for the distributed form, which shows your understanding of the power rule.

Does this work with positive exponents too?

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Yes! The power rule works for any exponent. For example: (2×3×4)3=23×33×43 (2 \times 3 \times 4)^3 = 2^3 \times 3^3 \times 4^3 . The sign of the exponent doesn't change how you distribute it.

How many factors should I end up with?

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You should have the same number of factors as you started with. In this problem, you began with 4 numbers, so your answer should have 4 terms, each with the exponent -2.

What does the negative exponent actually mean?

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A negative exponent means reciprocal. So x2=1x2 x^{-2} = \frac{1}{x^2} . Each factor becomes 1factor2 \frac{1}{\text{factor}^2} , but the question asks for the exponential form.

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