To simplify the expression \((-6a^5b)^2 / (12a^7b - 8a^3b)\), we will follow the order of operations and simplify each part step by step.
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Simplify the numerator: \[ (-6a^5b)^2 = (-6)^2 (a^5)^2 (b)^2 = 36a^{10}b^2 \]
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Simplify the denominator: Combine the terms in the denominator: \[ 12a^7b - 8a^3b = (12a^7 - 8a^3)b = 4a^3(3a^4 - 2)b \]
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Combine the results: Now, substitute the simplified numerator and denominator: \[ \frac{36a^{10}b^2}{4a^3(3a^4 - 2)b} \]
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Simplify the fraction: Divide the coefficients and variables:
- Coefficients: \(\frac{36}{4} = 9\)
- For \(a\): \(\frac{a^{10}}{a^3} = a^{10-3} = a^7\)
- For \(b\): \(\frac{b^2}{b} = b^{2-1} = b\)
Putting it all together: \[ \frac{36a^{10}b^2}{4a^3(3a^4 - 2)b} = \frac{9a^7b}{3a^4 - 2} \]
Thus, the simplified expression is: \[ \frac{9a^7b}{3a^4 - 2} \]