We know that we're not expected to solve for 96^2, so there must be a way to cancel things out. So, let's rewrite 96^2 in terms of the numerator.Aaring23 wrote:I know this is a pretty basic quesion, but it gave me a little trouble. I was wondering if someone could go through this step by step to show me how to solve.
(8^2)(3^3)(2^4) / 96^2
Answer is 3. Thanks.
96 = 8 * 12 = 8 * 2 * 2 * 3
So:
96^2 = (8 * 2 * 2 * 3)^2 = 8^2 * 2^2 * 2^2 * 3^2 = 8^2 * 2^4 * 3^2
Looking at the whole problem:
(8^2)(3^3)(2^4)/(8^2)(2^4)(3^2)
(8^2) on top and bottom - cancel them out
(2^4) on top and bottom - cancel them out
(3^3) on top and (3^2) on bottom. When we divide, we subtract the exponents, so:
(3^3)/(3^2) = 3^(3-2) = 3^1 = 3
