Simplify.

Question

(xz^3) (x^2 y^-1)^-3
__________

2z^2

using only positive exponents how do I simplify this?

Answer 1

use the / symbol for division or to show fractions, so ...

(xz^3) (x^2 y^-1)^-3 / (2z^2) , those brackets are needed, or else we would divide by only 2
= (x z^3)(x^-3 y^3) / (2z^2)
= (x z^(3-3-2) y^3) / 2
= x y^3 / (2z^2)

Answer 2

(xz^3) (x^2 y^-1)^-3 / (2z^2)
(xz^3) (x^-6 y^3) / (2z^2)
(x^-5 y^3 z^3)/(2z^2)
(y^3 z) / (2x^5)

Answer 3

messed up, go with oobleck