Question

Tuan simplified the following expression:

(b7)(b-3)/b2 (The 7,-3, and 2 are exponents.)


His final answer was in the form bn. If he simplified the expression correctly, what is the value of n, the exponent on b?

Answer 1

well you need to know the index law for multiplication.

same base add the powers

\[x^a \times x^b = x^{a + b}\]

so start by simplifying

\[b^7 \times b^{-3} \]

just add the powers.


next the index law for division is... same base, subtract the powers.

\[\frac{x^c}{x^d} = x^{c - d} \]

you will need this law for the 2nd part

\[\frac{b^{7 - 3}}{b^2} \]

hope this helps

Answer 2

campbell_st do u know the answer? i have tried and tried

Answer 3

so this will give the answer...

\[b^{7 + (-3) - 2} \]

just add the powers.