Simplify. Assume there are no divisions by 0

spooky1

New member
Simplify (a^4 a^4 a^3)/(a^3)^4

Assume there are no divisions by zero.

stapel

Super Moderator
Staff member
Combine the factors in the numerator by using the "x<sup>m</sup> x<sup>n</sup> = x<sup>m+n</sup>" rule.

Simplify the denominator using the "(x<sup>m</sup>)<sup>n</sup> = x<sup>mn</sup>" rule.

Then simplify the whole fraction using the "x<sup>m</sup>/x<sup>n</sup> = x<sup>m-n</sup>" rule.

Eliz.

spooky1

New member
a^4 a^5 a^3/(a^3)^4
a^4 a^5 a^3=a^12
(a^3)^4=a^12
a^12/a^12

Okay, is this 1 or is this a^12-^12?

stapel

Super Moderator
Staff member
spooky1 said:
Okay, is this 1 or is this a^12-^12?
It's a<sup>12-12</sup> = a<sup>0</sup> = 1. They're both the same answer; "1" is more simplified, though, and is thus probably what they are looking for.

Note: I am assuming that your work in your latest post reflects the actual text of the exercise. The numerator does not match what you posted originally. If the first post was correct, then the above is a bit off.

Eliz.