Solve the Fraction Equation: Simplify (b^7 * b^-4 + b^5) / b^-3

Question

b7b4+b5b3=? \frac{b^7\cdot b^{-4}+b^5}{b^{-3}}=\text{?}

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:00 Simplify the following problem
00:03 In order to eliminate a negative exponent
00:06 We'll invert the numerator and the denominator in order that the exponent will become positive
00:11 For example in our exercise
00:14 We'll apply this formula to our exercise, convert from the fraction to the number and the exponent
00:28 Open the parentheses, multiply each factor by the outer factor
00:34 When multiplying powers with equal bases
00:37 The exponent of the result equals the sum of the exponents
00:42 We'll apply this formula to our exercise, add up the exponents
00:48 This is the solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To simplify the problem b7b4+b5b3 \frac{b^7 \cdot b^{-4} + b^5}{b^{-3}} , we'll begin by applying the rules of exponents.

Step 1: Simplify the multiplication in the numerator.
- Using the product of powers rule, simplify b7b4 b^7 \cdot b^{-4} as:
b7b4=b74=b3 b^7 \cdot b^{-4} = b^{7-4} = b^3

Step 2: Substitute this back into the expression and rearrange the numerator:
- The expression becomes b3+b5b3 \frac{b^3 + b^5}{b^{-3}} .

Step 3: Simplify the overall expression by applying the quotient of powers rule:
- Distribute the exponent b3 b^{-3} to both terms in the numerator:
b3b3+b5b3\frac{b^3}{b^{-3}} + \frac{b^5}{b^{-3}}

Step 4: Using the rule aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} , simplify each term:

  • b3b3=b3(3)=b3+3=b6\frac{b^3}{b^{-3}} = b^{3-(-3)} = b^{3+3} = b^6
  • b5b3=b5(3)=b5+3=b8\frac{b^5}{b^{-3}} = b^{5-(-3)} = b^{5+3} = b^8

Step 5: Combine these results:
- The final simplified result is b6+b8 b^6 + b^8 .

Thus, the solution to the expression is b6+b8 b^6 + b^8 .

Answer

b6+b8 b^6+b^8