Let’s solve this step by step.
We are given the expression:
\[
\frac{7^{-4} x^{8} y^{-6}}{x^{-5} x^{-10} y^{-20}}
\]
Wait — looking again, in the denominator it says:
“x⁻⁵ x⁻¹⁰ y⁻²⁰” — that means we have two x terms multiplied together in the denominator.
So first, let’s simplify the denominator.
In the denominator:
\( x^{-5} \cdot x^{-10} = x^{-5 + (-10)} = x^{-15} \)
So now the whole expression becomes:
\[
\frac{7^{-4} x^{8} y^{-6}}{x^{-15} y^{-20}}
\]
Now, we can separate the constants and variables:
= \( 7^{-4} \cdot \frac{x^{8}}{x^{-15}} \cdot \frac{y^{-6}}{y^{-20}} \)
Now use the rule: \( \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m - n} \)
For x:
\( x^{8 - (-15)} = x^{8 + 15} = x^{23} \)
For y:
\( y^{-6 - (-20)} = y^{-6 + 20} = y^{14} \)
And for the constant:
\( 7^{-4} = \frac{1}{7^4} \)
But wait — is there any other number? The original numerator has only 7⁻⁴, no other numbers. So we leave it as is unless told to write without negative exponents.
The problem doesn’t specify, but usually we want positive exponents in final answer.
So:
Final expression:
\[
\frac{x^{23} y^{14}}{7^4}
\]
Now calculate 7⁴:
7² = 49
7⁴ = (7²)² = 49² = 2401
So:
\[
\frac{x^{23} y^{14}}{2401}
\]
✔ Let’s double-check:
Original:
Numerator: 7⁻⁴ x⁸ y⁻⁶
Denominator: x⁻⁵ * x⁻¹⁰ * y⁻²⁰ → x⁻¹⁵ y⁻²⁰
So dividing:
7⁻⁴ stays
x⁸ / x⁻¹⁵ = x²³
y⁻⁶ / y⁻²⁰ = y¹⁴
Yes.
And 7⁻⁴ = 1/2401
So final answer is:
\[
\frac{x^{23} y^{14}}{2401}
\]
Final Answer:
\[
\frac{x^{23} y^{14}}{2401}
\]
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of simplifying negative exponents worksheet.