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In algebra, I am struggling in simplifying the following equation:
(a^2)^5(2x^2)^4
_____________ <------ Pretend that's a fractional bar (the only way I can post this)
2^5(a^3)^3(x^3)^2
I was able to solve the exponents but I couldn't continue. If somebody could please give me the solution with step by step explanations to the equation I would be very thankful. Thank you!
*Brackets ([,]) were only used as a way to group the top and bottom parts of the fraction. They aren't necessary.*
1. So exponents first, obviously.
[(a^10)(2^4x^8)]/[2^5(a^9)(x^6)]
2. Rewrite numbers with exponents without them (can be done as step one)
[(a^10)(16x^8)]/[32(a^9)(x^6)]
3. Multiply the top and bottom, separately.
[16a^10x^8]/[32a^9x^6]
4. Divide the whole numbers and subtract the exponents of like variables.
[1a^1x^2]/2
5. As the exponents on bottom are smaller than those on the top, there are no negatives so you don't have to move anything. Optional answers:
a.) 1a^1x^2
_______
2
b.) ax^2
_____
2
c.) 1ax^2
______
2
**Some teachers would like the 1s, and some don't care. You can drop them or leave them.**
