Simplify: (a^b * b^a)/(c^b) * b^-c * 1/a Fraction Expression

Exponent Rules with Fraction Simplification

abbacbbc1a=? \frac{a^bb^a}{c^b}\cdot b^{-c}\cdot\frac{1}{a}=\text{?}

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:14 Let's simplify this math problem together.
00:18 To handle a negative exponent, let's flip the fraction.
00:23 When we flip it, the exponent turns positive.
00:26 Here's an example.
00:39 First, we'll apply the formula to our problem and move from numerator to denominator.
00:56 Multiply numerators with numerators, and denominators with denominators.
01:02 When you multiply powers with the same base, things get easy.
01:07 Just add their exponents together!
01:12 Let's apply this to the problem by adding the exponents next.
01:17 And there you have it, our solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

abbacbbc1a=? \frac{a^bb^a}{c^b}\cdot b^{-c}\cdot\frac{1}{a}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the given problem, we'll apply the laws of exponents to simplify the expression abbacbbc1a \frac{a^b b^a}{c^b} \cdot b^{-c} \cdot \frac{1}{a} .

Let's go through each step:

  • Start with the expression abbacbbc1a \frac{a^b b^a}{c^b} \cdot b^{-c} \cdot \frac{1}{a} .
  • Rewrite bc b^{-c} as 1bc \frac{1}{b^c} using the rule xn=1xn x^{-n} = \frac{1}{x^n} .
  • Substitute it back: abbacb1bc1a \frac{a^b b^a}{c^b} \cdot \frac{1}{b^c} \cdot \frac{1}{a} .
  • Combine the expressions into a single fraction: abbacbbca \frac{a^b b^a}{c^b \cdot b^c \cdot a} .
  • Use the rule xmxn=xm+n x^m \cdot x^n = x^{m+n} to simplify the exponents in the numerator and denominator: - In the numerator, no changes necessary since terms are already separated. - In the denominator, combine ba b^a and bc b^c using the exponent rule: ba+c b^{a+c} .
  • Update the fraction: abababa+c1cb \frac{a^b}{a} \cdot \frac{b^a}{b^{a+c}} \cdot \frac{1}{c^b} .
  • Simplify each component: - aba=ab1 \frac{a^b}{a} = a^{b-1} , - baba+c=ba(a+c)=bc=1bc \frac{b^a}{b^{a+c}} = b^{a-(a+c)} = b^{-c} = \frac{1}{b^c} .
  • Combine all components: ab1cbbc \frac{a^{b-1}}{c^b \cdot b^c} .
  • Express the result combining all simplified terms: 1a1bbcacb \frac{1}{a^{1-b} b^{c-a} c^b} .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 1a1bbcacb \frac{1}{a^{1-b} b^{c-a} c^b} .

3

Final Answer

1a1bbcacb \frac{1}{a^{1-b}b^{c-a}c^b}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Negative Exponents: Convert bc b^{-c} to 1bc \frac{1}{b^c} before combining fractions
  • Exponent Division: aba=ab1 \frac{a^b}{a} = a^{b-1} and babc=bac \frac{b^a}{b^c} = b^{a-c}
  • Check Powers: Verify each base has correct exponent in final answer ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Combining exponents incorrectly when multiplying and dividing
    Don't add exponents when dividing: babcba+c \frac{b^a}{b^c} ≠ b^{a+c} = wrong result! Division means subtracting exponents, not adding. Always use xmxn=xmn \frac{x^m}{x^n} = x^{m-n} for division.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 112^0=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to convert negative exponents first?

+

Converting negative exponents to fractions like bc=1bc b^{-c} = \frac{1}{b^c} makes it easier to see what goes in the numerator vs denominator. It prevents sign errors when combining terms!

How do I handle multiple bases like a, b, and c?

+

Treat each base separately! Apply exponent rules to terms with the same base: combine ba b^a and bc b^c , but leave ab a^b and cb c^b alone.

What's the difference between multiplying and dividing with exponents?

+

Multiplication: xmxn=xm+n x^m \cdot x^n = x^{m+n} (add exponents)
Division: xmxn=xmn \frac{x^m}{x^n} = x^{m-n} (subtract exponents)

How do I know if my final answer is fully simplified?

+

Check that all negative exponents are converted to positive ones in denominators, and no further combining of like bases is possible. Your answer should have each base appearing only once in the final expression.

Can I leave the answer with positive exponents in the denominator?

+

Yes! The correct answer 1a1bbcacb \frac{1}{a^{1-b}b^{c-a}c^b} has positive exponents in the denominator. This is the standard simplified form for this type of expression.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Exponents Rules questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations