Simplify the Algebraic Expression: Tackling 15x⁴y³/8x²y⁵ x 24yx⁷/3xy²

Exponent Rules with Rational Expression Multiplication

Solve:

15x4y38x2y524yx73xy2= \frac{15x^4y^3}{8x^2y^5}\cdot\frac{24yx^7}{3xy^2}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Simplify the following problem
00:03 Make sure to multiply the numerator by the numerator and the denominator by the denominator
00:16 Let's calculate 8 x 3
00:24 Let's reduce wherever possible
00:27 When multiplying powers with equal bases
00:31 The power of the result equals the sum of the powers
00:34 We'll apply this formula to our exercise, and add the powers together
01:07 When dividing powers with equal bases
01:10 The power of the result equals the difference of the powers
01:15 We'll apply this formula to our exercise, and subtract the powers
01:26 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve:

15x4y38x2y524yx73xy2= \frac{15x^4y^3}{8x^2y^5}\cdot\frac{24yx^7}{3xy^2}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll proceed with the following steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify each fraction separately.

Consider the first fraction:

15x4y38x2y5\frac{15x^4y^3}{8x^2y^5}

Apply the quotient rule of exponents: xmxn=xmn\frac{x^m}{x^n} = x^{m-n} and ymyn=ymn\frac{y^m}{y^n} = y^{m-n}.

This gives us: 158x42y35=158x2y2\frac{15}{8} \cdot x^{4-2} \cdot y^{3-5} = \frac{15}{8} \cdot x^2 \cdot y^{-2}.

  • Step 2: Simplify the second fraction.

Consider the second fraction:

24yx73xy2\frac{24yx^7}{3xy^2}

Apply the quotient rule: 243yy2x7x1=8y12x71=8y1x6\frac{24}{3} \cdot \frac{y}{y^2} \cdot \frac{x^7}{x^1} = 8 \cdot y^{1-2} \cdot x^{7-1} = 8 \cdot y^{-1} \cdot x^6.

  • Step 3: Multiply the simplified fractions together.

Now, multiply the results:

(158x2y2)(8y1x6)\left(\frac{15}{8} \cdot x^2 \cdot y^{-2}\right) \cdot \left(8 \cdot y^{-1} \cdot x^6\right)

Simplify by multiplying coefficients and applying exponent rules: 15×88x2+6y21\frac{15 \times 8}{8} \cdot x^{2+6} \cdot y^{-2-1}.

Which simplifes to: 15x8y315 \cdot x^8 \cdot y^{-3}.

Therefore, the expression simplifies to 15x8y315x^8y^{-3}.

Finally, matching this result with the provided choices, we find that the correct answer is choice (3):

15x8y3 15x^8y^{-3}

3

Final Answer

15x8y3 15x^8y^{-3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Quotient Rule: When dividing powers with same base, subtract exponents
  • Technique: Simplify each fraction first: x4x2=x42=x2 \frac{x^4}{x^2} = x^{4-2} = x^2
  • Check: Multiply coefficients and add exponents: 15 × 1 = 15, x⁸, y⁻³ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding exponents when dividing instead of subtracting
    Don't add exponents when dividing like x⁴ ÷ x² = x⁶ = wrong answer! Division means subtraction of exponents, not addition. Always subtract the bottom exponent from the top exponent: x⁴ ÷ x² = x⁴⁻² = x².

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Simplify the following equation:

\( \)\( 4^5\times4^5= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I subtract exponents when dividing?

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Think of it this way: x4x2=xxxxxx \frac{x^4}{x^2} = \frac{x \cdot x \cdot x \cdot x}{x \cdot x} . You can cancel two x's from top and bottom, leaving x2 x^2 . That's why it's 4 - 2 = 2!

What does a negative exponent mean?

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A negative exponent means "one over" that base raised to the positive power. So y3=1y3 y^{-3} = \frac{1}{y^3} . It's still a valid answer - don't try to make it positive!

Should I multiply the fractions first or simplify each one?

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Always simplify each fraction first! This makes the multiplication much easier. It's like reducing fractions before multiplying in arithmetic - same principle applies here.

How do I handle the coefficients (numbers)?

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Treat coefficients separately from variables. Multiply the numbers: 158×243=15×248×3=36024=15 \frac{15}{8} \times \frac{24}{3} = \frac{15 \times 24}{8 \times 3} = \frac{360}{24} = 15 . Then handle the variables with exponent rules.

Can I leave my answer with a negative exponent?

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Yes! The answer 15x8y3 15x^8y^{-3} is completely correct. You could also write it as 15x8y3 \frac{15x^8}{y^3} , but negative exponents are perfectly acceptable in algebra.

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