Simplify the Fraction: -3a^(-2) ÷ -6a^(-6) Step-by-Step

Question

Solve the following exercise:

3a26a6= \frac{-3a^{-2}}{-6a^{-6}}=

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:00 Simply
00:03 Minus divided by minus always equals plus
00:10 When dividing powers with equal bases
00:13 The power of the result equals the difference of the powers
00:17 We'll use this formula in our exercise, and subtract the powers
00:25 We'll divide into the numerical fraction and the unknown fraction
00:29 Let's calculate 3 divided by 6
00:43 And this is the solution to the question

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 apply it to the problem:

3a26a6=12a2(6)=12a2+6=12a4 \frac{-3a^{-2}}{-6a^{-6}}=\frac{1}{2}\cdot a^{-2-(-6)}=\frac{1}{2}\cdot a^{-2+6}=\frac{1}{2}\cdot a^4 In the first step we simplify the numerical part of the fraction. This is a simple and intuitive step as it makes it easier to work with the said fraction.

3a26a6=36a2a6=12a2a6= \frac{-3a^{-2}}{-6a^{-6}}=\frac{-3}{-6}\cdot\frac{a^{-2}}{a^{-6}}=\frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{a^{-2}}{a^{-6}}=\ldots We then return to the problem and subsequently obtain the following expression:

12a4 \frac{1}{2}\cdot a^4 Therefore, the correct answer is option C.

Answer

12a4 \frac{1}{2}a^4