Problem

Simplify ((c^-2)^3d^4)/(d^-2)

The problem provided is a mathematical expression that involves simplifying an algebraic expression using the rules of exponents. The expression contains variables c and d raised to various powers, including negative exponents. The task is to apply the laws of exponents to simplify the expression to its most reduced form. This includes multiplying exponents when raising a power to a power, converting negative exponents to positive by taking the reciprocal of the base, and canceling out terms where possible when dividing powers of the same base.

$\frac{\left(\left(\right. c^{- 2} \left.\right)\right)^{3} d^{4}}{d^{- 2}}$

Answer

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Solution:

Step 1

Apply the negative exponent rule to bring $d^{-2}$ to the numerator: $\left(c^{-2}\right)^3 \cdot d^4 \cdot d^2$.

Step 2

Combine like bases by adding their exponents.

Step 2.1

Position $d^2$ next to $d^4$: $\left(c^{-2}\right)^3 \cdot d^2 \cdot d^4$.

Step 2.2

Utilize the exponent addition rule $a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}$: $\left(c^{-2}\right)^3 \cdot d^{2+4}$.

Step 2.3

Complete the addition of exponents: $\left(c^{-2}\right)^3 \cdot d^6$.

Step 3

Handle the exponentiation of an exponent by multiplying the exponents.

Step 3.1

Apply the rule $\left(a^m\right)^n = a^{mn}$: $c^{-2 \cdot 3} \cdot d^6$.

Step 3.2

Perform the multiplication of exponents: $c^{-6} \cdot d^6$.

Step 4

Convert the negative exponent to a fraction using the rule $b^{-n} = \frac{1}{b^n}$: $\frac{1}{c^6} \cdot d^6$.

Step 5

Combine the fraction and the remaining term: $\frac{d^6}{c^6}$.

Knowledge Notes:

The problem-solving process involves simplifying an algebraic expression using exponent rules. The relevant knowledge points include:

  1. Negative exponent rule: $b^{-n} = \frac{1}{b^n}$, which allows us to transform a term with a negative exponent into a fraction.

  2. Power of a power rule: $\left(a^m\right)^n = a^{mn}$, which is used when an exponentiated term is raised to another power.

  3. Product of powers rule: $a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}$, which is applied when multiplying terms with the same base.

  4. Simplification of algebraic expressions: The process of reducing expressions to their simplest form by applying arithmetic operations and algebraic rules.

These rules are essential for manipulating and simplifying expressions involving exponents, which is a fundamental skill in algebra.

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