Simplify 1/(4^-6 × 7^-6): Negative Exponents in Denominators

Negative Exponents with Product Rule

Insert the corresponding expression:

146×76= \frac{1}{4^{-6}\times7^{-6}}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Simplify the following problem
00:04 A product where each factor is raised to the same power (N)
00:09 Can be converted to parentheses of the entire product raised to the power of the factor (N)
00:13 We will apply this formula to our exercise
00:19 Apply the power laws in order to simplify negative exponents
00:22 Convert to the reciprocal number and raise to the power (-1)
00:25 We will apply this formula to our exercise
00:29 Convert to the reciprocal number (1 divided by the number)
00:33 Raise to the power (-1)
00:36 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Insert the corresponding expression:

146×76= \frac{1}{4^{-6}\times7^{-6}}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will simplify the given expression 146×76 \frac{1}{4^{-6}\times7^{-6}} by using the properties of exponents.

First, note that both 46 4^{-6} and 76 7^{-6} can be combined under the power of a product property:

  • 46×76=(4×7)6 4^{-6} \times 7^{-6} = (4 \times 7)^{-6}

Then, simplify the expression inside the original fraction:

1(4×7)6=(4×7)6 \frac{1}{(4 \times 7)^{-6}} = (4 \times 7)^6

We use the principle that the negative sign in the exponent of a denominator can be inverted to a positive sign in the numerator. Hence, the negative exponent in the denominator becomes positive in the numerator.

Therefore, the correctly corresponding expression to 146×76 \frac{1}{4^{-6}\times7^{-6}} is (4×7)6 (4 \times 7)^6 .

3

Final Answer

(4×7)6 \left(4\times7\right)^6

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Negative exponent in denominator becomes positive in numerator
  • Technique: Combine 46×76=(4×7)6 4^{-6} \times 7^{-6} = (4 \times 7)^{-6}
  • Check: Final answer has positive exponent and no fractions ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to combine bases before applying exponent rules
    Don't work with 46 4^{-6} and 76 7^{-6} separately = complicated fractions! This makes the problem much harder and leads to calculation errors. Always combine same exponents first: 46×76=(4×7)6 4^{-6} \times 7^{-6} = (4 \times 7)^{-6} .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( (4^2)^3+(g^3)^4= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does 146×76 \frac{1}{4^{-6} \times 7^{-6}} become positive?

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When you have a negative exponent in the denominator, it flips to become positive! Think of it as: 1xn=xn \frac{1}{x^{-n}} = x^n . The negative cancels out when moving from denominator to numerator.

Can I simplify 46×76 4^{-6} \times 7^{-6} differently?

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Yes! You can use the product rule for exponents: an×bn=(a×b)n a^n \times b^n = (a \times b)^n . So 46×76=(4×7)6=286 4^{-6} \times 7^{-6} = (4 \times 7)^{-6} = 28^{-6} .

What's the difference between (4×7)6 (4 \times 7)^6 and 46×76 4^6 \times 7^6 ?

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They're actually the same thing! Both equal 286 28^6 . The power of a product rule works both ways: (a×b)n=an×bn (a \times b)^n = a^n \times b^n .

Why isn't the answer negative?

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The original expression has negative exponents, not negative bases! 46 4^{-6} means "one over four to the sixth power", which is positive. Only negative bases create negative results.

How do I check if (4×7)6 (4 \times 7)^6 is correct?

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Substitute back! 146×76=1(28)6=(28)6=(4×7)6 \frac{1}{4^{-6} \times 7^{-6}} = \frac{1}{(28)^{-6}} = (28)^6 = (4 \times 7)^6 ✓. The math checks out perfectly!

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