Solve the Fraction Equation: Simplify (b^7 * b^-4 + b^5) / b^-3

Exponent Rules with Negative Powers

b7b4+b5b3=? \frac{b^7\cdot b^{-4}+b^5}{b^{-3}}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:10 Let's simplify this problem together.
00:13 To remove a negative exponent,
00:16 We invert the numerator and denominator to make the exponent positive.
00:21 Let's see how this works in our example.
00:24 We'll use this method by changing the fraction into a positive exponent.
00:38 Now, open the parentheses and multiply each part by the factor outside.
00:44 When multiplying powers with the same base,
00:48 Add up the exponents for the result.
00:52 Let's apply this and add the exponents in our exercise.
00:58 And there you have it! That's the solution.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

b7b4+b5b3=? \frac{b^7\cdot b^{-4}+b^5}{b^{-3}}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To simplify the problem b7b4+b5b3 \frac{b^7 \cdot b^{-4} + b^5}{b^{-3}} , we'll begin by applying the rules of exponents.

Step 1: Simplify the multiplication in the numerator.
- Using the product of powers rule, simplify b7b4 b^7 \cdot b^{-4} as:
b7b4=b74=b3 b^7 \cdot b^{-4} = b^{7-4} = b^3

Step 2: Substitute this back into the expression and rearrange the numerator:
- The expression becomes b3+b5b3 \frac{b^3 + b^5}{b^{-3}} .

Step 3: Simplify the overall expression by applying the quotient of powers rule:
- Distribute the exponent b3 b^{-3} to both terms in the numerator:
b3b3+b5b3\frac{b^3}{b^{-3}} + \frac{b^5}{b^{-3}}

Step 4: Using the rule aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} , simplify each term:

  • b3b3=b3(3)=b3+3=b6\frac{b^3}{b^{-3}} = b^{3-(-3)} = b^{3+3} = b^6
  • b5b3=b5(3)=b5+3=b8\frac{b^5}{b^{-3}} = b^{5-(-3)} = b^{5+3} = b^8

Step 5: Combine these results:
- The final simplified result is b6+b8 b^6 + b^8 .

Thus, the solution to the expression is b6+b8 b^6 + b^8 .

3

Final Answer

b6+b8 b^6+b^8

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Product Rule: When multiplying powers with same base, add exponents
  • Quotient Rule: bmbn=bmn \frac{b^m}{b^n} = b^{m-n} so b3b3=b3(3)=b6 \frac{b^3}{b^{-3}} = b^{3-(-3)} = b^6
  • Check: Verify each exponent calculation step by step ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to distribute division to all terms in numerator
    Don't just divide one term by b3 b^{-3} = only partial simplification! This leaves some terms unsimplified and gives incomplete answers. Always divide every single term in the numerator by the denominator separately.

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 does dividing by a negative exponent make the power bigger?

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When you divide by a negative exponent, you're actually multiplying! Remember: 1b3=b3 \frac{1}{b^{-3}} = b^3 . So b5b3=b5×b3=b8 \frac{b^5}{b^{-3}} = b^5 \times b^3 = b^8 .

Do I need to factor out common terms first?

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Not necessary! You can distribute the division directly to each term in the numerator. This often makes the problem easier than trying to factor first.

What if I get confused with the signs when subtracting negative exponents?

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Remember: subtracting a negative equals adding a positive. So 3(3)=3+3=6 3 - (-3) = 3 + 3 = 6 . Write it out step by step to avoid mistakes!

Can I combine the terms in the numerator before dividing?

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Only if they have the same exponent! Since b3 b^3 and b5 b^5 have different powers, you cannot combine them. Divide each term separately instead.

How do I know when my final answer is fully simplified?

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Your answer is simplified when:

  • All exponents are positive (if possible)
  • No common factors can be factored out
  • Each term is in its simplest form
b6+b8 b^6 + b^8 meets all these criteria!

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