Simplify the Expression: (9² × 3⁻⁴) ÷ 6³ Step by Step

Exponent Rules with Mixed Base Conversion

Solve the following problem:

923463=? \frac{9^2\cdot3^{-4}}{6^3}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Simplify the following problem
00:05 Let's break down 9 into 3 squared
00:12 When there's a power over a power, the combined power is the multiplication of the powers
00:17 We'll apply this formula to our exercise, multiply between the powers
00:34 When multiplying powers with equal bases
00:38 The power of the result equals the sum of the powers
00:41 We'll apply this formula to our exercise, then add up the powers
00:54 According to the laws of powers, any number to the power of 0 equals 1
00:57 As long as the number is not 0
01:01 We'll apply this formula to our exercise
01:06 Any fraction/number raised to a negative power
01:09 We can invert the numerator and the denominator in order to obtain a positive power
01:12 We'll apply this formula to our exercise
01:15 That's the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following problem:

923463=? \frac{9^2\cdot3^{-4}}{6^3}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

The problem requires simplification 923463\frac{9^2 \cdot 3^{-4}}{6^3} using exponent rules. Here’s a step-by-step guide to solving it:

  • Step 1: Convert each term to powers of a common base.

    Notice that 99 is 323^2 and 66 is 2×32 \times 3. Hence:

    92=(32)2=349^2 = (3^2)^2 = 3^{4}

    Therefore, the expression becomes 3434(23)3\frac{3^4 \cdot 3^{-4}}{(2 \cdot 3)^3}.

  • Step 2: Simplify the numerator.

    Using the exponent multiplication rule: 3434=34+(4)=30=13^4 \cdot 3^{-4} = 3^{4 + (-4)} = 3^0 = 1.

  • Step 3: Expand the denominator.

    Calculate (23)3(2 \cdot 3)^3 by applying the distributive property: (23)3=2333(2 \cdot 3)^3 = 2^3 \cdot 3^3.

  • Step 4: Simplify the expression.

    After simplifying, the entire expression is 12333\frac{1}{2^3 \cdot 3^3}.

    This simplifies further to 163=63\frac{1}{6^3} = 6^{-3}, because 2333=(23)3=632^3 \cdot 3^3 = (2 \cdot 3)^3 = 6^3.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 636^{-3}.

3

Final Answer

63 6^{-3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Base Conversion: Express all terms using common prime factors
  • Power Rule: (am)n=amn (a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n} , so 92=(32)2=34 9^2 = (3^2)^2 = 3^4
  • Check: Verify 63=1216 6^{-3} = \frac{1}{216} equals original expression ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Not converting all bases to common prime factors
    Don't leave 9 and 6 as they are = messy calculations! Students often try to work with different bases directly, making the problem much harder and leading to errors. Always convert everything to prime factors (like 3 and 2) first.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Which of the following is equivalent to \( 100^0 \)?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to convert 9 and 6 to powers of 3?

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Converting to common prime factors lets you use exponent rules easily! Since 9=32 9 = 3^2 and 6=2×3 6 = 2 \times 3 , working with powers of 3 makes the calculation much simpler.

What happens when I multiply 34×34 3^4 \times 3^{-4} ?

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Use the rule: am×an=am+n a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n} . So 34×34=34+(4)=30=1 3^4 \times 3^{-4} = 3^{4+(-4)} = 3^0 = 1 . Any number to the power of 0 equals 1!

How does 163 \frac{1}{6^3} become 63 6^{-3} ?

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This uses the negative exponent rule: 1an=an \frac{1}{a^n} = a^{-n} . So 163=63 \frac{1}{6^3} = 6^{-3} . Negative exponents mean "reciprocal"!

Can I calculate the numerical value instead of leaving it as 63 6^{-3} ?

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Yes! 63=163=1216 6^{-3} = \frac{1}{6^3} = \frac{1}{216} . However, exponential form is often preferred as it shows the mathematical relationship more clearly.

What if I expand (2×3)3 (2 \times 3)^3 incorrectly?

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Remember: (ab)n=an×bn (ab)^n = a^n \times b^n . So (2×3)3=23×33=8×27=216 (2 \times 3)^3 = 2^3 \times 3^3 = 8 \times 27 = 216 . Don't just multiply 2×3 first then cube!

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