Simplify: 4⁷·4⁻¹ + (3²)⁷ + 9⁵/9² | Exponent Operations

Exponent Laws with Multiple Operations

Simplify the following expression:

4741+(32)7+9592 4^7\cdot4^{-1}+(3^2)^7+\frac{9^5}{9^2}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve the following problem
00:03 When multiplying powers with equal bases
00:11 The power of the result equals the sum of the powers
00:14 We will apply this formula to our exercise
00:23 When there is a power raised to a power, the combined power is the product of the powers
00:30 We will apply this formula to our exercise
00:39 When dividing powers with equal bases
00:43 The power of the result equals the difference of the powers
00:47 We will apply this formula to our exercise
00:52 Let's calculate all the powers
01:01 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Simplify the following expression:

4741+(32)7+9592 4^7\cdot4^{-1}+(3^2)^7+\frac{9^5}{9^2}

2

Step-by-step solution

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:

aman=am+n a^m\cdot a^n=a^{m+n}

b. The law of exponents for power of a power:

(am)n=amn (a^m)^n=a^{m\cdot n}

c. The law of exponents for division of terms with identical bases:

aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n}=a^{m-n}

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:

4741=47+(1)=471=46 4^7\cdot4^{-1}= 4^{7+(-1)} = 4^{7-1}=4^{6}

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:

(32)7=327=314 (3^2)^7=3^{2\cdot7}=3^{14}

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:

9592=952=93 \frac{9^5}{9^2} =9^{5-2}=9^3

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:

4741+(32)7+9592=46+314+93 4^7\cdot4^{-1}+(3^2)^7+\frac{9^5}{9^2} =4^6+3^{14}+9^3

Therefore the correct answer is answer c.

3

Final Answer

46+314+93 4^6+3^{14}+9^3

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rules: Use product, power, and quotient laws for exponents
  • Technique: 4741=47+(1)=46 4^7 \cdot 4^{-1} = 4^{7+(-1)} = 4^6
  • Check: Verify each term separately: (32)7=314 (3^2)^7 = 3^{14} and 9592=93 \frac{9^5}{9^2} = 9^3

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Trying to combine terms with different bases
    Don't combine 46+314+93 4^6 + 3^{14} + 9^3 = one single term! These have different bases (4, 3, 9) so they cannot be combined. Always leave terms with different bases as separate additions.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \)

Simplify the following equation:

\( 5^8\times5^3= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I combine 4⁶ + 3¹⁴ + 9³ into one term?

+

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!

How do I know which exponent law to use?

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Look at the operation: multiplication uses aman=am+n a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n} , division uses aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} , and power of power uses (am)n=amn (a^m)^n = a^{mn} .

What if I have a negative exponent like 4⁻¹?

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Treat it like any other exponent! In 4741 4^7 \cdot 4^{-1} , you add the exponents: 7 + (-1) = 6, so the answer is 46 4^6 .

Can I simplify 9³ to something else?

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You could calculate 93=729 9^3 = 729 , but the question asks for the simplified expression, not the numerical value. Keep it as 93 9^3 !

Why is (3²)⁷ equal to 3¹⁴?

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When you have a power raised to another power, multiply the exponents: (32)7=32×7=314 (3^2)^7 = 3^{2 \times 7} = 3^{14} . Don't add them!

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