The problem has been solved before. See following link for explanations.
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1245905705
Please simplify: Very confused, have many problems like this and need some guidence. Thanks!
(root5a^7/2)^4 a^3/a^8
4 answers
I have added the following clarification for Carmin. It is reproduced here in case you are also interested.
...
=(sqrt(5)4*(a(7/2))4) a3-8
=5(1/2)*4*a(7/2)*4*a3-8
=25 a14 a-5
=25 a9
the denominator 2 in the fraction (7/2) is an exponent and not a simple number. This is probably from where you got the 16.
...
=(sqrt(5)4*(a(7/2))4) a3-8
=5(1/2)*4*a(7/2)*4*a3-8
=25 a14 a-5
=25 a9
the denominator 2 in the fraction (7/2) is an exponent and not a simple number. This is probably from where you got the 16.
So the 16 is not part of the answer? It's just 25 a^9?
Right!