Asked by Ashley

simplify the expression. Assume that all variables represent positive numbers.
(36^-2y^4)-1/2(xy^1/2)

I can't get the answer to this I just don't know how to answer this problem. Can anyone help?
Thank You!
Ashley
Answered by drwls
What does 36^ mean? Is there a missing exponent? Is the (xy^1/2) term in a denominator or is it multiplied by 1/2 ?
Answered by Ashley
Its (36x^-2y^4)^1/2(xy^1/2)

the ^ mean exponents...so 36x^-2 the -2 is the exponent...
Answered by drwls
In that case you should have written
(36x^-2)*[(y^4)^1/2]*x*y^1/2)

That would equal 36 x^(-3/2) * y^(3/2)
= 36 (y/x)^(3/2)