Simplify ((8×4)^-7)^6: Nested Negative Exponents Problem

Power Rules with Nested Negative Exponents

Insert the corresponding expression:

((8×4)7)6= \left(\left(8\times4\right)^{-7}\right)^6=

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1

Understand the problem

Insert the corresponding expression:

((8×4)7)6= \left(\left(8\times4\right)^{-7}\right)^6=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this expression, we will follow these steps using the rules of exponents:

  • Step 1: Apply the power of a power rule.
  • Step 2: Use the negative exponent rule to express the result as a fraction.

Now, let's apply each step:

Step 1: Apply the power of a power rule
Given: ((8×4)7)6\left(\left(8\times4\right)^{-7}\right)^6.
According to the power of a power rule, (am)n=amn(a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n}.
So, ((8×4)7)6=(8×4)7×6=(8×4)42\left(\left(8\times4\right)^{-7}\right)^6 = \left(8\times4\right)^{-7 \times 6} = \left(8\times4\right)^{-42}.

Step 2: Use the negative exponent rule
Now, apply the negative exponent rule: am=1ama^{-m} = \frac{1}{a^m}.
Thus, (8×4)42=1(8×4)42\left(8\times4\right)^{-42} = \frac{1}{\left(8\times4\right)^{42}}.

The simplified expression is 1(8×4)42\frac{1}{\left(8\times4\right)^{42}}.

Now, let's determine which of the provided answer choices is correct:
- Choice 1: 1(8×4)42\frac{1}{\left(8\times4\right)^{-42}} is incorrect because the exponent should not be negative.
- Choice 2: 1(8×4)42\frac{1}{\left(8\times4\right)^{42}} is correct as it matches our solution.
- Choice 3: 1(8×4)1\frac{1}{\left(8\times4\right)^{-1}} is incorrect because it does not match our calculated exponent.
- Choice 4: 1(8×4)1\frac{1}{\left(8\times4\right)^1} is incorrect as the exponent is too small.

Therefore, the correct answer is 1(8×4)42\frac{1}{\left(8\times4\right)^{42}}, which corresponds to Choice 2.

3

Final Answer

1(8×4)42 \frac{1}{\left(8\times4\right)^{42}}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Power Rule: When raising a power to a power, multiply the exponents
  • Technique: (am)n=am×n (a^m)^n = a^{m \times n} , so (8×4)7×6=(8×4)42 (8 \times 4)^{-7 \times 6} = (8 \times 4)^{-42}
  • Check: Apply negative exponent rule: an=1an a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} gives final answer ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding exponents instead of multiplying
    Don't add -7 + 6 = -1 when applying power rule = 1(8×4)1 \frac{1}{(8 \times 4)^1} ! This confuses the power rule with the product rule. Always multiply exponents when raising a power to a power: (-7) × 6 = -42.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( (3\times4\times5)^4= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I multiply the exponents instead of adding them?

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The power of a power rule says (am)n=am×n (a^m)^n = a^{m \times n} . You only add exponents when multiplying powers with the same base, like am×an=am+n a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n} .

What happens when I have a negative exponent?

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A negative exponent means reciprocal: an=1an a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} . So (8×4)42 (8 \times 4)^{-42} becomes 1(8×4)42 \frac{1}{(8 \times 4)^{42}} .

Should I calculate 8 × 4 = 32 first?

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Not necessary! The question asks for the expression, not the numerical value. Keep it as (8×4) (8 \times 4) unless specifically asked to simplify further.

How do I know which exponent rule to use?

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Look at the structure: nested parentheses with exponents means power of a power rule. If you see (somethinga)b (something^a)^b , multiply the exponents: a×b a \times b .

Why is the first answer choice wrong?

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Choice 1 has (8×4)42 (8 \times 4)^{-42} in the denominator, which would actually equal (8×4)42 (8 \times 4)^{42} when simplified. That's not our final answer!

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