Simplify the Algebraic Fraction: 4a⁵/2a³ Using Exponent Rules

Question

Solve the exercise:

4a52a3= \frac{4a^5}{2a^3}=

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:00 Simplify the following problem
00:03 When dividing powers with equal bases
00:07 The power of the result equals the difference between the powers
00:15 We'll apply this formula to our exercise, and subtract the powers
00:23 Let's calculate 4 divided by 2
00:28 This is the solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Due to the fact that the numerator and the denominator of the fraction have terms with identical bases, we will begin by applying the law of exponents for the division of terms with identical bases:

bmbn=bmn \frac{b^m}{b^n}=b^{m-n} We begin by applying the formula to the given problem:

4a52a3=2a53=2a2 \frac{4a^5}{2a^3}=2\cdot a^{5-3}=2\cdot a^2 In the first step we simplify the numerical part of the fraction. This is simple to do and makes it easier to work with the said fraction.

4a52a3=42a5a3=2a53= \frac{4a^5}{2a^3}=\frac{4}{2}\cdot\frac{a^5}{a^3}=2\cdot a^{5-3}=\ldots We obtain the following answer:

2a2 2a^2

Therefore, the correct answer is option A.

Answer

2a2 2a^2