Simplify the Expression: (2⁰×3⁻⁴)/(5⁴×9²) with Mixed Exponents

Exponent Rules with Base Conversions

Solve the following problem:

20345492=? \frac{2^0\cdot3^{-4}}{5^4\cdot9^2}=\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
00:03 According to the exponent laws, any number when raised to the power of 0 equals 1
00:06 As long as the number is not 0
00:10 Apply this formula to our exercise
00:25 With any fraction/number with a negative exponent
00:28 The numerator and denominator can be flipped in order to obtain a positive exponent
00:35 Apply this formula to our exercise
00:52 Break down 9 to 3 squared
00:58 When there's a power of a power, the combined exponent is the product of the exponents
01:04 We will once again apply this formula to our exercise, we'll then proceed to multiply the exponents
01:21 When multiplying powers with equal bases
01:24 The exponent of the result equals the sum of the exponents
01:29 We will apply this formula in our exercise and add the exponents together
01:40 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:

20345492=? \frac{2^0\cdot3^{-4}}{5^4\cdot9^2}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

In order to solve the given problem, we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify 202^0. According to the zero exponent rule, 20=12^0 = 1.

  • Step 2: Simplify 343^{-4}. Using the negative exponent rule, 34=1343^{-4} = \frac{1}{3^4}.

  • Step 3: Simplify 929^2. Recognize that 9=329 = 3^2, thus 92=(32)2=349^2 = (3^2)^2 = 3^{4}.

  • Step 4: Substitute the simplified terms back into the expression:

20345492=11345434 \frac{2^0 \cdot 3^{-4}}{5^4 \cdot 9^2} = \frac{1 \cdot \frac{1}{3^4}}{5^4 \cdot 3^{4}}

  • Step 5: Simplify by combining like bases: since 343^{-4} in the numerator can be combined with 343^4 in the denominator, you have:

=15434+4=15438 = \frac{1}{5^4 \cdot 3^{4+4}} = \frac{1}{5^4 \cdot 3^8}

Therefore, the simplified expression is 15438\frac{1}{5^4 \cdot 3^8}.

3

Final Answer

15438 \frac{1}{5^4\cdot3^8}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Zero Exponent Rule: Any base to power of 0 equals 1
  • Base Conversion: Convert 92=(32)2=34 9^2 = (3^2)^2 = 3^4 to match bases
  • Check Powers: Verify 34×34=30=1 3^{-4} \times 3^4 = 3^0 = 1

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to convert 9 to base 3
    Don't leave 92 9^2 as is = you miss combining like bases! This prevents simplification and leads to more complex answers. Always convert to matching bases like 9=32 9 = 3^2 first.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Which of the following is equivalent to \( 100^0 \)?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does 2⁰ equal 1 instead of 0?

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The zero exponent rule states that any non-zero base raised to the power of 0 equals 1. Think of it as dividing by itself: 23÷23=233=20=1 2^3 ÷ 2^3 = 2^{3-3} = 2^0 = 1 !

How do I know when to convert bases?

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Look for numbers that can be written as powers of the same base. Here, 9 = 3², so converting 92 9^2 to 34 3^4 lets you combine with 34 3^{-4} !

What happens when I have negative exponents?

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Negative exponents mean "flip to denominator": 34=134 3^{-4} = \frac{1}{3^4} . When multiplying, they combine with positive exponents: 34×34=30=1 3^{-4} \times 3^4 = 3^0 = 1 .

Why does the final answer have 3⁸ in the denominator?

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When you move 34 3^{-4} to the denominator, it becomes 34 3^4 . Combined with the existing 34 3^4 from 92 9^2 , you get 34×34=38 3^4 \times 3^4 = 3^8 !

Can I simplify this fraction further?

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No, 15438 \frac{1}{5^4 \cdot 3^8} is in simplest form because 5 and 3 share no common factors. The numerator is 1, so there's nothing more to reduce.

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