Simplify the Exponent Equation: (2^-4 * (1/2)^8 * 2^10) / 2^3

Exponent Rules with Negative Powers

Solve the following problem:

24(12)821023=? \frac{2^{-4}\cdot(\frac{1}{2})^8\cdot2^{10}}{2^3}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Simplify the following problem
00:05 In order to remove the negative exponents
00:08 We flip the numerator and the denominator and the exponent becomes positive
00:17 We will apply this formula to our exercise
00:45 When multiplying powers with equal bases
00:49 the exponent of the result equals the sum of the exponents
00:53 We will apply this formula to our exercise, we'll add the exponents
01:12 When dividing powers with equal bases
01:18 the exponent of the result equals the difference of the exponents
01:24 We will apply this formula to our exercise, we'll subtract the exponents
01:31 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following problem:

24(12)821023=? \frac{2^{-4}\cdot(\frac{1}{2})^8\cdot2^{10}}{2^3}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

In order to solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify each component using exponent rules

  • Step 2: Apply multiplication and division of powers

  • Step 3: Simplify the combined expression

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Simplify (12)8(\frac{1}{2})^8. Using the power of a fraction rule, we have:

(12)8=1828=128=28 \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^8 = \frac{1^8}{2^8} = \frac{1}{2^8} = 2^{-8}

Step 2: Substitute back into the original expression:

242821023 \frac{2^{-4} \cdot 2^{-8} \cdot 2^{10}}{2^3}

Combine the terms in the numerator using the product of powers rule:

2428210=24+(8)+10=22 2^{-4} \cdot 2^{-8} \cdot 2^{10} = 2^{-4 + (-8) + 10} = 2^{-2}

Now the expression becomes:

2223 \frac{2^{-2}}{2^3}

Apply the division of powers rule:

2223=223=25 \frac{2^{-2}}{2^3} = 2^{-2 - 3} = 2^{-5}

Thus, the solution to the problem is 25 2^{-5} .

3

Final Answer

25 2^{-5}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert fractions with exponents using (1a)n=an (\frac{1}{a})^n = a^{-n}
  • Technique: Combine powers with same base: 2428210=22 2^{-4} \cdot 2^{-8} \cdot 2^{10} = 2^{-2}
  • Check: Verify final exponent arithmetic: -4 + (-8) + 10 - 3 = -5 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to convert fractional bases to negative exponents
    Don't leave (12)8 (\frac{1}{2})^8 as is = complicated fractions in your calculation! This makes combining terms nearly impossible. Always convert (12)8 (\frac{1}{2})^8 to 28 2^{-8} first.

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 convert (12)8 (\frac{1}{2})^8 to 28 2^{-8} ?

+

Converting fractional bases to negative exponents lets you use the same base (2) throughout the problem! This makes it much easier to apply exponent rules like aman=am+n a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n} .

How do I add negative exponents correctly?

+

Treat negative exponents like regular integers when adding! For example: -4 + (-8) + 10 = -12 + 10 = -2. Remember that subtracting a positive is the same as adding a negative.

What's the difference between 25 2^{-5} and 25 -2^5 ?

+

25=132 2^{-5} = \frac{1}{32} (positive fraction), while 25=32 -2^5 = -32 (negative whole number). The negative sign's position makes a huge difference!

Can I leave my answer as 132 \frac{1}{32} instead of 25 2^{-5} ?

+

Both forms are mathematically correct! However, if the answer choices use exponential form, stick with 25 2^{-5} . Always match the format of the given options.

What if I get confused with all the negative signs?

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Write out each step clearly and double-check your arithmetic. Use parentheses around negative numbers: (-4) + (-8) + (10) - (3). This helps prevent sign errors!

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