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Exponent problem

Expert replies
by jnellaz » Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:53 pm
I was careful to replicate this problem. Please let me know if you have any questions.

((2y^3)^-2/(4x^-5))^-2 =


[spoiler]Answer: 256y^12/x^10
[/spoiler][spoiler]
[/spoiler]
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Source: — Problem Solving |

by cramya » Fri Nov 14, 2008 1:16 pm
Are u sure the 256 is in the numerator with y and not denominator wiht x?
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by jnellaz » Fri Nov 14, 2008 3:32 pm
Yes. Positive. I double checked.
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by cramya » Fri Nov 14, 2008 3:52 pm
( (2y^3) ^ - 2/ (4x ^ - 5 ) ) ^ - 2

I have hghlighted the minus signs just to make sure the problem reads as is. Can u please confirm(sorry to bother again :lol: )?

I am getting y ^ 12 / 256 x ^ 10 since the numerator and denominator reciprocates once inside the parenetheses due to negative exponents -2 and -5 and then again reciporocates due to the -2 outside.

I must be missing something here.... Will keep trying
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Re: Exponent problem

by iamcste » Fri Nov 14, 2008 4:14 pm
jnellaz wrote:I was careful to replicate this problem. Please let me know if you have any questions.

((2y^3)^-2/(4x^-5))^-2 =


[spoiler]Answer: 256y^12/x^10
[/spoiler][spoiler]
[/spoiler]
Here we go !

Answer and question both are perfect

((2y^3)^-2/(4x^-5))^-2


=( (2^-2*y^-6)/(4x^-5))^-2 ...aplying inner powers..(ab)^m=a^m*b^m

=(( 2^4*y^12)/( 4^-2*x^10)...applying external power..outer brackets..(ab)^m=a^m*b^m


=( ( 2^4* 4^2*y^12) / (x^10)..taking 4^-2 up

=(4^2* 4^2) * (y^12/x^10)....2 ^ 4= 4^2

=( 4 ^4) * (y^12/x^10)

=(256* y^12)/ x^10
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by cramya » Fri Nov 14, 2008 4:21 pm
Thanks!

I figured out my mistake.

I was taking (2y ) ^ 3 insstead of 2 * (y^3)
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by iamcste » Fri Nov 14, 2008 4:28 pm
cramya wrote:Thanks!

I figured out my mistake.

I was taking (2y ) ^ 3 insstead of 2 * (y^3)
No issues... :D
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by jnellaz » Sat Nov 15, 2008 7:18 pm
Thanks to you both!
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Re: Exponent problem

by 4meonly » Sun Nov 16, 2008 9:43 am
I still do not understand how u got
iamcste wrote:=( 2^4*y^12)
from
iamcste wrote:=(2^-2*y^-6)
Can somebody clarify?
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Re: Exponent problem

by iamcste » Sun Nov 16, 2008 10:37 am
4meonly wrote:I still do not understand how u got
iamcste wrote:=( 2^4*y^12)
from
iamcste wrote:=(2^-2*y^-6)
Can somebody clarify?

(2^-2*y^-6) ^-2

Pls note outside the outer brackets there is a power of -2

Just apply that

(a*b)^m=a^m*b^m


a=2^-2 and m=-2

a^m=(2^-2)^-2


Now apply (a^m)^n=a^mn

mn=-2*-2=4 and a =2

hence a^mn=2^4


similary (y^-6)^-2

=y^12


hence

(2^-2*y^-6) ^-2=( 2^4*y^12)
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by 4meonly » Mon Nov 17, 2008 4:23 am
OK, agree with calculations, but I do not agree with logic.

you made -2 power of numerator. But why you haven't done it with denumerator?
iamcste wrote: =( (2^-2*y^-6)/(4x^-5))^-2 ...aplying inner powers..(ab)^m=a^m*b^m
=(( 2^4*y^12)/( 4^-2*x^10)...applying external power..outer brackets..(ab)^m=a^m*b^m
According to your logic
(ab)/cd = (ab)^2 / cd

but it should be
(ab)/cd = (ab)^2 / (cd)^2

Am I missing something?
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by parallel_chase » Mon Nov 17, 2008 2:05 pm
Here is a long way of doing this problem, simply for better understanding.

[(2y^3)^-2/(4x^-5)]^-2

Switch the numerator and denominator -power becomes positive

[ (4x^-5) / 2y^3)^-2 ]^2

expand and let it blow 8)

(4^2 * x^-10) / [(2^-2)^2 (y^-6)^2]

=> (4^2 * x^-10) / [(2^-4 (y^-12)]

switch negative powers to numerator and denominator so it becomes positive

(4^2 * 2^4 * y^12) / x^10

256 * y^12 / x^10

Hope this helps.
No rest for the Wicked....
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