Sure! Here are some concepts and a quick check related to variable expressions with exponents:
Key Concepts
-
Exponent Rules:
- Product of Powers: \( a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n} \)
- Quotient of Powers: \( \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} \) (where \( a \neq 0 \))
- Power of a Power: \( (a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n} \)
- Power of a Product: \( (ab)^n = a^n b^n \)
- Power of a Quotient: \( \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^n = \frac{a^n}{b^n} \) (where \( b \neq 0 \))
-
Zero Exponent:
- \( a^0 = 1 \) (where \( a \neq 0 \))
-
Negative Exponent:
- \( a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} \) (where \( a \neq 0 \))
Quick Check Examples
Let's evaluate and simplify the following expressions:
-
Expression: \( x^3 \times x^2 \)
Simplified:
\( x^{3+2} = x^5 \) -
Expression: \( \frac{y^4}{y^2} \)
Simplified:
\( y^{4-2} = y^2 \) -
Expression: \( (2x^2)^3 \)
Simplified:
\( 2^3 (x^2)^3 = 8x^{2 \cdot 3} = 8x^6 \) -
Expression: \( (ab)^2 \)
Simplified:
\( a^2 b^2 \) -
Expression: \( \frac{3x^{-1}}{y^2} \)
Simplified:
\( \frac{3}{xy^2} \) (since \( x^{-1} = \frac{1}{x} \)) -
Expression: \( (x^3y^2)^2 \)
Simplified:
\( x^{3\cdot2} y^{2\cdot2} = x^6 y^4 \)
Practice Problems
Try simplifying the following:
- \( a^2 \times a^5 \)
- \( \frac{m^5}{m^3} \)
- \( (3x^2y)^2 \)
- \( (2^3 \cdot x^{-5})^2 \)
- \( \left(\frac{p^4}{q^2}\right)^{-1} \)
Feel free to check your answers, and let me know if you need help!