Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Exponential Rules
Exponential rules are fundamental properties that govern the manipulation of expressions involving exponents. Key rules include the product of powers, power of a power, and negative exponent rules. For instance, a negative exponent indicates the reciprocal of the base raised to the absolute value of the exponent, which is crucial for simplifying expressions like (3x^4/y)^{-3}.
Recommended video:
Cramer's Rule - 2 Equations with 2 Unknowns
Reciprocal of a Fraction
The reciprocal of a fraction is obtained by flipping the numerator and denominator. This concept is particularly important when dealing with negative exponents, as it allows for the transformation of expressions into a more manageable form. For example, applying the reciprocal to (3x^4/y)^{-3} will help simplify the expression by converting it into (y/3x^4)^{3}.
Recommended video:
Radical Expressions with Fractions
Distributing Exponents
Distributing exponents involves applying the exponent to both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction. This is essential when simplifying expressions with exponents, as it allows for the separate handling of each component. In the case of (y/3x^4)^{3}, this means raising both y and 3x^4 to the power of 3, leading to a clearer and simplified result.
Recommended video: