Simplify the following expression:
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Simplify the following expression:
In solving the given problem we will use three laws of exponents, let's recall them:
a. The law of exponents for multiplication of terms with identical bases:
b. The law of exponents for power of a power:
c. The law of exponents for division of terms with identical bases:
We will apply these three laws of exponents to the expression in the problem in three stages:
Let's start by applying the law of exponents mentioned in a to the first term from the left in the expression:
When in the first stage we applied the law of exponents mentioned in a and in the following stages we simplified the resulting expression,
We'll continue to the next stage and apply the law of exponents mentioned in b and deal with the second term from the left in the expression:
When in the first stage we applied the law of exponents mentioned in b and in the following stages we simplified the resulting expression,
We'll continue to the next stage and apply the law of exponents mentioned in c and deal with the third term from the left in the expression:
When in the first stage we applied the law of exponents mentioned in c and in the following stages we simplified the resulting expression,
Let's summarize the three stages detailed above for the complete solution of the problem:
Therefore the correct answer is answer c.
\( \)
Simplify the following equation:
\( 5^8\times5^3= \)
Because they have different bases! You can only combine terms when they have the same base and same exponent. Think of it like adding apples and oranges - they stay separate!
Look at the operation: multiplication uses , division uses , and power of power uses .
Treat it like any other exponent! In , you add the exponents: 7 + (-1) = 6, so the answer is .
You could calculate , but the question asks for the simplified expression, not the numerical value. Keep it as !
When you have a power raised to another power, multiply the exponents: . Don't add them!
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