Problem

Simplify (4x^8w)/( square root of 9xw^2)

This question is asking to perform algebraic simplification on the given expression. The expression involves a fraction with a polynomial numerator (4x^8w) and a radical denominator (square root of 9xw^2). The task is to simplify the expression by applying algebraic rules, including the properties of exponents and radicals, as well as possible simplifications that come from canceling out common factors in the numerator and the denominator.

$\frac{4 x^{8} w}{\sqrt{9 x w^{2}}}$

Answer

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Solution:

Step 1: Simplify the denominator

Step 1.1: Express $9xw^2$ as a square

Step 1.1.1: Represent $9$ as $3^2$.

$$\frac{4x^8w}{\sqrt{3^2xw^2}}$$

Step 1.1.2: Rearrange $x$.

$$\frac{4x^8w}{\sqrt{3^2w^2x}}$$

Step 1.1.3: Express $3^2w^2$ as $(3w)^2$.

$$\frac{4x^8w}{\sqrt{(3w)^2x}}$$

Step 1.2: Extract terms from the radical.

$$\frac{4x^8w}{3w\sqrt{x}}$$

Step 2: Eliminate the common $w$ factor

Step 2.1: Remove the common $w$.

$$\frac{4x^8\cancel{w}}{3\cancel{w}\sqrt{x}}$$

Step 2.2: Present the simplified expression.

$$\frac{4x^8}{3\sqrt{x}}$$

Step 3: Rationalize the denominator

Multiply $\frac{4x^8}{3\sqrt{x}}$ by $\frac{\sqrt{x}}{\sqrt{x}}$.

Step 4: Combine and simplify the denominator

Step 4.1: Multiply the terms.

$$\frac{4x^8\sqrt{x}}{3\sqrt{x}\sqrt{x}}$$

Step 4.2: Rearrange $\sqrt{x}$.

$$\frac{4x^8\sqrt{x}}{3(\sqrt{x}\sqrt{x})}$$

Step 4.3: Express $\sqrt{x}$ as a power.

$$\frac{4x^8\sqrt{x}}{3((\sqrt{x})^1\sqrt{x})}$$

Step 4.4: Repeat the expression of $\sqrt{x}$ as a power.

$$\frac{4x^8\sqrt{x}}{3((\sqrt{x})^1(\sqrt{x})^1)}$$

Step 4.5: Apply the power rule $a^ma^n = a^{m+n}$.

$$\frac{4x^8\sqrt{x}}{3(\sqrt{x})^{1+1}}$$

Step 4.6: Add the exponents.

$$\frac{4x^8\sqrt{x}}{3(\sqrt{x})^2}$$

Step 4.7: Convert $(\sqrt{x})^2$ back to $x$.

Step 4.7.1: Rewrite $\sqrt{x}$ using $x^{\frac{1}{2}}$.

$$\frac{4x^8\sqrt{x}}{3(x^{\frac{1}{2}})^2}$$

Step 4.7.2: Apply the power rule $(a^m)^n = a^{mn}$.

$$\frac{4x^8\sqrt{x}}{3x^{\frac{1}{2}\cdot2}}$$

Step 4.7.3: Simplify the exponent.

$$\frac{4x^8\sqrt{x}}{3x^{\frac{2}{2}}}$$

Step 4.7.4: Simplify the fraction in the exponent.

$$\frac{4x^8\sqrt{x}}{3x^1}$$

Step 4.7.5: Simplify the expression.

$$\frac{4x^8\sqrt{x}}{3x}$$

Step 5: Cancel the common $x$ factors

Step 5.1: Factor $x$ from $4x^8\sqrt{x}$.

$$\frac{x(4x^7\sqrt{x})}{3x}$$

Step 5.2: Remove common factors.

Step 5.2.1: Factor $x$ from $3x$.

$$\frac{x(4x^7\sqrt{x})}{x\cdot3}$$

Step 5.2.2: Cancel the common $x$.

$$\frac{\cancel{x}(4x^7\sqrt{x})}{\cancel{x}\cdot3}$$

Step 5.2.3: Present the final expression.

$$\frac{4x^7\sqrt{x}}{3}$$

Knowledge Notes:

  1. Simplifying Radicals: To simplify radicals, one can express the terms under the radical as powers and pull out perfect squares, cubes, etc.

  2. Rationalizing the Denominator: When a radical is present in the denominator, it is common practice to multiply the fraction by a form of 1 that will eliminate the radical in the denominator.

  3. Power Rule: For any nonzero number $a$ and any integers $m$ and $n$, the power rule states that $a^ma^n = a^{m+n}$.

  4. Exponent Laws: When raising a power to a power, you multiply the exponents, as shown by $(a^m)^n = a^{mn}$.

  5. Cancelling Common Factors: When the same factor appears in both the numerator and denominator, it can be cancelled out to simplify the fraction.

  6. Square Roots and Exponents: The square root of a number $x$ can be written as $x^{\frac{1}{2}}$, and $(\sqrt{x})^2$ simplifies to $x$.

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